There is no shame in leaving a job to peruse new opportunities. Most companies will understand this. Just make sure that if you are leaving, you make sure you give them plenty of time before you are done. I know 2 weeks is the common, but I would say give them a month. This will allow them time to get someone in to replace you and maybe even have a bit of a crossover between you and the new person.

If you do all this on a good note,

1. give plenty of notice
2. offer to do a crossover/training with new person

You will leave on good terms with the boss. I am sure they will be willing to give you a good reference as long as you have done good at your job.

There is no shame in leaving a job to peruse new opportunities. Most companies will understand this. Just make sure that if you are leaving, you make sure you give them plenty of time before you are done. I know 2 weeks is the common, but I would say give them a month. This will allow them time to get someone in to replace you and maybe even have a bit of a crossover between you and the new person.

If you do all this on a good note,

1. give plenty of notice
2. offer to do a crossover/training with new person

You will leave on good terms with the boss. I am sure they will be willing to give you a good reference as long as you have done good at your job.

UPDATE: Also a good thing to do if possible and the job allows is to create some sort of "handover notes" which could be a binder of tips for the job, things the new person should be aware of with the job, and any and all advice you would give to the new person.