Hello everyone,

I've been exploring this site for quite a while; what a great resource! I probably will not be applying to schools until next fall, but I have a question that has been weighing on me since starting a new job about 4 months ago.

The question is this: are schools understanding if you are uncomfortable asking your current employer for a recommendation? I am not nervous about doing so because I have been performing poorly, but rather, because I get the sense that such a request would not be well-received by my group. Although I am still new to my company, I am getting the sense that it is the sort of place that does not take well to people leaving, whether to other companies/competitors or to grad school.

I do have other sources for recommendations (prior employer, non-profit where I am an active volunteer), but am getting nervous thinking about turning in an application without a letter from my current employer, especially since it is in a field that I hope to continue in following school.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!