Years ago I faced the same issue. I decided to tell my boss and he actually supported me with advice and mentorship (he ended up convincing me not to quit, but that's another story...)<p>The first question that comes to my mind is: Do you really need to quit? Having an income while you moonlight is a huge advantage, as you can survive until your start-up is sustainable (and then quit your day job)<p>Second: Do you have enough savings to survive a year on your own? If not, keep your current job, build your savings and then quit.<p>Third: Are you in good terms with your immediate manager? If yes, then do tell him/her -- You might be able to even negotiate an alternative deal, like part-time, contracting or something else. If not, then tell him/her only if asked. In any case, it's certainly better to learn the news through you than through someone else.<p>Obviously, what I wrote in this post does not apply if you and your employer have a conflict of interests. If that's the case, I'd talk to a lawyer.
Fortunately I was working for a startup that had a great exit when it was acquired. Since they were entrepreneurs themselves they were amazingly supportive and I still go to the founders for guidance from time to time.<p>For more on this topic - I wrote a post on how to break up with a girlfriend (or employer) that addresses how to not burn your bridges at:<p><a href="http://blog.nanobeepers.com/2007/04/05/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/">http://blog.nanobeepers.com/2007/04/05/breaking-up-is-hard-to-do/</a>
Don't tell them jack. Really. If they have a "we own your brain" employment agreement, treat them as hostile.<p>Be polite, be friendly, but be very quiet about your plans.
If it's to pursue what you love and have a passion for, then telling your current employer your quitting to essentially pursue happiness should be absolutely no big deal. :P
I would keep pretty hush about it unless there's some real chance your employer is going to say "Wow that's cool -- why don't you partner with me and I'll invest $5M."<p>People can get petty and weird when they're jealous or angry.
i think the standard approach is that u<p>1.cannot work on ur idea, during work time
2.u cannot start an idea that is a direct competitor to ur companies business<p>if these two do not apply u shud be ok, but the laws are harsher here in the uk. with non compete clauses etc