The kindest offer you can make is to give long notice of your intent to leave, to offer to help them recruit a fit replacement and stay for a short transition.

The kindest offer you can make is to give long notice of your intent to leave, to offer to help them recruit a fit replacement and stay for a short transition. Just mentioning the possibility of leaving can feel like betrayal or the risk of a disgruntled employee. Second worst case: you'd be asked to box your things and leave immediately. Worst: you'd be asked to stay. Unless this is a three-person startup and you're a co-founder, you don't owe the company anything beyond courtesy. Their loyalty to you is conditional. Generic advice: - Don't bring up leaving until you have a new job ready. - Notice is a nicety. Give two week's notice or whatever notice you'd expect if they decide to kill your project and lay you off; often none. - Be prepared to be leave the building forever once you bring up the subject. Pack first. You could be gone in minutes. - Have reasonable expectations for your new gig. It's likely to have its own problems.