Why aren't you constantly applying for new jobs? Liking your Co-workers is not a good enough reason. Already making enough money to survive isn't a good enough reason. Being scared of losing your benefits is almost a good enough reason but you shouldn't allow your employer to have that power over you. If you have kids in this crazy world I feel for you but you owe it to them and yourself to find the best possible opportunity.
Get your own insurance, get your own retirement, find a way to keep yourself in a home with food to eat if things get tough and apply like no tomorrow.
To get a raise at your current job you'd probably have to take on a more responsibilities than you already have, run yourself ragged trying to increase efficiency, etc etc..
All the while the competition is looking for someone with your skillset to fill a position they have open and man, are they getting desperate.
Meanwhile you're being loyal to a company that doesn't give a fuck if you're living under a bridge as long as you are somewhat presentable and make them money. And they constantly have an add out to replace you if they find someone who will do it for less or has more experience on paper.
We no longer live in a society where jumping jobs every few years hurts you in a interview it can be explained away easily in multiple ways. If you're not giving your best at work its because you should already have found something else.
Use their system against them. They want you to think loyalty means everything to them because then you're in their pocket to use and abuse as they wish. FUCK THAT Seek the best possible opportunity even if you like the place you work at. Make your small jumps upward whenever you can. Revise your resume often, work on your negotiating skills whenever you can. Don't be afraid to turn a job down in a interview (its actually better if you turn down their first offer) but be respectful and always leave them wanting more. Make sure you know EXACTLY what they expect of you and that your position has a clear job description. I probably go to a job interview on my lunch break once every 3 months. Most of the time I turn them down because it's not an upgrade. I sleep good at night knowing my name is in the hat if a better job is open.
The end goal is to start my own business and share the profits with the workers fairly. I want to be the boss I would want to have because I know how shitty it is out here.
Good luck everybody go kick some ass today.