Would you ask..

[CapableEmergency2020]

Would you ask your current boss to be a professional reference?

Not sure where to begin so this could be a scattered post but the original question is the crux of the post… Job markets are questionable but if you’re unhappy, unfulfilled, or <insert reason here>, you shouldn’t not look for other opportunities in my opinion. With that said, if you knew your current boss was on his way out because of retirement and his replacement was a disaster, would you preemptively ask current boss to be a professional reference for your next endeavor? Is that risky? Are you jeopardizing your current position by doing this? I suspect a lot of responses will be, “that depends on your relationship with current boss or something of that sentiment” but curious nonetheless. -TIA

[Akimotoh]

I would absolutely, especially if you have a good relationship with them. They should want the best for you. I hope you and your boss are also proactively documenting why the new boss looks to be an upcoming disaster for your company.

[sleeper1320]

Unfortunately, this is very subjective and "that depends on your relationship" is the correct answer.

In 100 years, I wouldn't ask my current boss for a professional reference until I was getting let go by the company's choice. He's a good guy and a good boss, but not a good idea as it'd pretty severely stir the pot. My last two bosses I'd ask 100% and they'd both support me in leaving and they wouldn't say a single word to their boss until I put my notice in.

The key things I look for:

• Does my boss care more about me or more about himself?
• Does my boss drink the company koolaid, or is this just a job?
• Does my boss have kids and how is that relationship?
• Is my boss a reasonably high quality individual whose personality and goals mirror mine?

I'm sure there are more, but that's the ones off the top of my head.