When there is no Grow potential at your position
Boss is not willing to give you a raise. And any other place earns 1.5x more at least with better benefits.

But you really like the position and colleagues.

That is a difficult decision to make.

Actually easy decision. Apply for a new job, wait till you get a proposal, go to your boss with said proposal.

i feel like it comes down to, well, you want to be where you're comfortable? or do you want to grow and be better? there are always other places. are you showing them the best you can do if you aren't able to grow in your position?

And if boss refuses to step up, go. If you stay for lower pay, not only are you seeing a precedent for yourself, but also for the whole industry. Not leaving one's comfort zone for a few bucks a month is a thing, but for 1.5x the pay, you better have a proper reason to decline.

Are you happy in your current position or only afraid of change? Telling yourself that colleagues and position are nice is not a good enough reason to not pursuit a change. It's only an excuse.

There are always better options out there.

@HisAxelency was just about to say that. Best case scenario: one gets a raise and gets to stay. Worse case scenario new job with more pay. Win win situation man

Sounds like an easy decision to me.
You'll always find other friendly meatbuckets.

Edit: Algo necro! ☹