Looking for a new job when your boss is writing your LOR...bad idea?

[butterfingers2010]

Okay, so I have a dilemma of sorts. My boss has agreed to write my LOR, which is awesome because my job is strongly related to the field of study to which I'm applying. For months now I have been considering getting a new job, but wanting this LOR has been holding me back. I know she might still write it even if I do leave for a new position, but at this point I don't want to take any chances, because getting into grad school means that much to me.

I love my job, but it pays a pittance and I am struggling daily to make ends meet. I just recently moved into a place of my own (no parents, no roommate, etc.) and my budget is stretched almost to the breaking point. I can make it like this if I am very strict with myself and stick to my budget, but it's not especially comfortable and everyday at work I find myself thinking "I am worth WAY more than this." I wanted a good reference from someone in the field and I wanted to gain more work experience in this area as well, but now I'm thinking maybe its' time to jump ship and move onto something else. I could wait until I start grad school ( I don't plan on working full time during grad school) but that is still almost a year away and I just don't know if I can stand it for that long. I've seen several jobs postings that I am qualified for, are related to my field and would pay me much more than what I am making now. I'm very tempted to put in my application but my boss has not submitted my letters yet and I don't want to screw it up.

Maybe I am overthinking this, but I don't want to do anything that would possibly ruin my chances of getting in. I am sick of living on rice and noodles and praying everyday that my car is not going to break down. This is probably good practice for grad school and learning how to live the life of a poor student but I have been working full time almost 2 years now and I don't know how much more frustration I can handle. With that said should I wait until my LOR's are submitted to start job-hunting? Or should I just take the chance that my boss will spite me by not writing my LOR if I land a new job before then? (She doesn't strike me as the type, but like I said I really don't want to take ANY chances). She told me that she will have the letter done within the next month or so, so the timing might work out okay, then again, maybe it won't..

[Sigaba]

JB24--

Are there other options such as asking for a raise, getting a room mate to lower your costs, developing ways to squeeze more out of your food budget, and alternative means of transportation?

If you were in your boss's shoes, how would you feel if the roles were reversed and you learned that an employee had been looking to move on while you were doing her a favor?