I have (the last stage of) a job interview today. I was not actively looking for a job, meaning I was contacted by the company. I spat out a price, which would be a 40% increase over my current salary. They said it was ok.
Out of a 100+ applicants, the only two people at the last stage are me and a friend (former colleague). The unfortunate thing is that he's been looking for a job since quitting last July, but unsuccessfully. This is his best chance of finding employment.
On the one hand, I do not need this job per se. Career-wise, staying means I might evolve outside of my role, but transferring means I could learn new technologies.
My tactics, if I pass, are to use it as a bargaining chip with my bosses - pay me or I leave. I would be willing to stay for less than what I was offered, perhaps with some other benefits. But 40% is still a lot and I don't think I can realistically expect more than 20%. The difference between the two is still big, especially at a point where I'm saving up for an apartment and every penny counts.
On the other hand, if they just say no, I would need to quit, which fucks my friend quite hard. And then there's also switching jobs, being the new (dispensable) guy, onboarding, higher expectations etc.
I'm still hoping that the bargaining will work, but still no clue what will happen or what to do.