[splatcollision]

No specific advice but just wanted to say hang in there and try to keep positive. When you say: "I've been told I was in line for a raise but was just waiting for approval. That was six months ago, when I asked what was happening I was told 'still waiting'." - this means they are lying to you and they don't think you will have the guts to leave. Do your best to develop something on the side that you can show to potential employers, they usually are impressed by the initiative required for something like that. Visualize the day you have a solid offer on paper in your hand and you can tell your current job "Thanks for everything but it's time for me to go" - just focus on how good that will feel!