I've been with my current company for nearly two years now, and I generally find satisfaction in my role. Unfortunately, our organization has been grappling with a series of layoffs recently, which has left me apprehensive about the potential for more downsizing in the future. Although my team has managed to weather these challenges so far, I've taken the proactive step of preparing my resume.
However, I'm uncertain about pursuing opportunities outside my current company that offer both a higher salary and a more prestigious job title. My primary concern is that these potential employers might reach out to my current employer for references, which could jeopardize my current position and get me fired prematurely. Is there any risk involved in applying for such positions, given these circumstances?