I have only ever had one full time job in my entire life and I think it might be time to leave it soon. Unfortunately the pay is not that great along with the benefits. Good people though. Now, what is the process for leaving one job for another?

How would I ask my current boss to be a reference for my next job? I always feel so.. treacherous thinking about all this. Like leaving a job seems messed up to me. I don't know why. I don't want to burn any bridges though.

What is the appropriate way of doing this? I write a letter of resignation right? Then what? Also, timings.. Do I get accepted at the other job first and then quit the current one? What about interviews? Like what if the job I am interviewing for wants to call the job I CURRENTLY work at for more info?

Its very confusing. Anyone have any insight?