Dh has a contract with his present job until the end of September 2008. His boss is always saying he'll apply for funding for another 3 years but dh would stay in the same position (so no promotion for sure). Now he has a job offer where he could move up the career ladder in the next 2 years depending on results (research). They want a reference from the present employer though, although he already gave 3 very good references and he would still haveto get through an interview. Is he risking putting his present boss off applying for more grants for him? He is unsure about asking him for a reference as if he doesn't get the job in the end he might have lost his 3 year extension. How would you handle the asking/explaining part? I've told him to tell his boss that he has more chance of promotion in the new job and he should understand.