This is the option I'd take.

It's one thing for your current employer to know you want more money, but it could end in no job at all if things don't go your way at the interview. Better to go to the interview outside your normal work hours, get a firm offer in writing and then show it to your current boss and ask if there's anything he'd like to say about it. Who knows, maybe then they'll realize you really do want more money and other companies are willing to pay you what you think you're worth.

Funeral

only advisable if you are actually happy to accept the new job.

yeah well I thought that went without saying.

I like the way you think.

Flint: " Uhh, yeah. I'm having female problems. She's pressing charges and I have to go to an arraignment..."

Flint: "The echo? well, I'm on the can right SPPLORRT! right now, maybe the bathroom FFFFFFFFTTTTT echos a bit. Hang on, I feel a big one coming..."

:greenface

A mostly empty ketchup bottle can be your friend....

A close acquaintance of mine was in this situation recently. She was moderately happy with her current job, but there was a "reorganisation" on. She took a personal leave day, and went to an interview for a job she didn't actually want, just for the experience and to keep her hand in. Her boss knew all along.
The result? Her existing employer "reorganised" her to a transfer to a more interesting department, a promotion, and raise of $15,000/year.

It might work, but it might backfire.
Never be irreplacable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Read The Rules of Work. Convince your boss that everyone around you is irreplaceable.

But look out Every body around me is an Idiot ( when it comes to certin things ) ,
Example , I get to drive for 6 + hrs Tomorrow ( Literally past 2 other techs houses ) to do a 2 hr job .
Every body else just gets to shrug their shoulders and say I dont know , I get to figuer it out .

Brilliant.

but that is the point. you are the only irreplaceable one there so you would never be considered for a promotion - one of the idiots would be more likely to get the job. the point is to be excellent at what you do, but quietly point out how each person is a crucial part of the company in their current role. you're complimenting your coworkers which is a feel good, positive morale thing and it also shows the boss you are a team player - not one to stab anyone in the back in the name of petty politics.

of course, that may not be applicable in every company.

I don't want to be promoted, I just want to get by.

Wait, is that wrong?

not in my opinion. we're not all meant to do the same thing. even two individuals with the exact same IQ, education, and skill set shouldn't necessarily make the same career choices. each person should find what they enjoy(or at least tolerate) that pays well enough to provide a life style they are comfortable living in. Some people will really truly love their $35,000 year jobs while some will hate their $350,000/year jobs. Who made the better career move?

THIS GUY no contest.