I've been invited to interview for a company this week and they are asking for references up front, incuding my current employer. My current employer doesn't know I'm looking for new work and I had no intention of telling them but, of course, they would find out should the company I'm interviewing for decide to reach out to them.
My biggest concern is that things at my current position may become uncomfortable if my employer knows I'm looking for other work. I'm relied on quite a bit and work with my boss most of the time. I'd say we have an okay relationship but they weren't thrilled with the idea that I was going back to school so… How do I approach this with them?