What will your references be like if the project ends up going up in flames? (Through no fault of your own -- but who's going to know and/or admit that?) And

What will your references be like if the project ends up going up in flames? (Through no fault of your own -- but who's going to know and/or admit that?) And does the company even provide references, as a matter of policy? (More and more don't.) If you're concerned about having references, as others have suggested here I'd suggest cultivating references personally amongst your colleagues and contacts. Pick the ones you respect and who respect you. And do it now, before you begin a break up -- or the company does. (Beware of tipping colleagues off -- where such may be detrimental -- though, given the nature of the immediate situation you're describing.) If you want to make your departure seem "less personal", tell them you have an opportunity you can't pass up. You don't necessarily have to tell them what that is. (If they ask, maybe tell them it's in stealth mode? -- or some term that doesn't sound as hokey or potentially bs, depending on your background and what would or would not seem plausible.)