I'm in a quandary ...

[Foxer]

There is this chick where I work and we're good friends (all above board) but she's not happy with her job and wants to leave. If she leaves then we won't be good mates and will most likely drift apart over time so I don't want her to leave but ...

... she's applied for a job and wants me to be a character reference. She's asked me to help her leave her current job.

What are my options? I want to help her but I don't!

[dglienna]

Say you don't know her, or give her such a good reference that they'll think that you must be lying.

[mendhak]

Just be the goddamn reference. And if you're really good friends, then her leaving won't make a difference. And drink Mountain Dew, it's good for you.

[BodwadUK]

You could remain in contact and just give her a good referance. What are you a friend or an enemy!!!

[NotLKH]

...above board...good mates ...drift apart ...current

Hmmm, seafaring comments embedded in your post.
Subconsciously, would you like to sail away with her to some uncharted isle, live on its beach, drinking fermented coconut juice and living off of the local tropical flora and fauna the rest of your lives?

[mendhak]

Not to mention the constant copulation you'll have to put up with.

[Foxer]

... would you like to sail away with her to some uncharted isle, live on its beach, drinking fermented coconut juice and living off of the local tropical flora and fauna the rest of your lives?

She's a pretty good looker.

A bit psycho but - I think most chicks are like that.