I try not to ask for raises without some evidence of my worth/other-options. The easiest way to do that is follow the path you're already on and just line up an

I try not to ask for raises without some evidence of my worth/other-options. The easiest way to do that is follow the path you're already on and just line up another job. Get a firm offer, tell the new firm you need to a few weeks to think about it. Take the offer to your current employer and be blunt: This is what I'm worth and I'm leaving unless you feel the same way. Allow them to think about it and make a counter-offer. If they say "we can't afford...blah blah blah..." then walk away and into your new life. You don't owe them anything...but it's courteous to give them the opportunity to counter-offer.