<prompt> Human: A little backstory:Im 29 and living in California. My girlfriend and I recently broke up, and Im still living with her. I have 2 dogs and finding a place to rent where I live is near impossible with dogs I keep seeing small dog considered and I have a large and a medium sized dog. If there is something that allows dogs, the price is so high that its more than a mortgage Id be paying on a 500,000 house and I cant afford either.Ive been at my work for over 7 years, and I feel like Ive been passed over or given BS excuses for why I havent been promoted for the last 3 years. We did just have a large layoff recently, which makes me nervous to ask for anything. At the same time I cant keep living where I am for my emotional health and I cant afford anything in the area.My current plan:Ask to be evaluated for the promotion I think I deserve. Mention the reason I dont want to wait until my review later in the year is because I need to move ASAP and cant afford anything. Id also mention that I really dont want to leave the company, but if they cant do anything I might have to start looking for another job or to live in another state and work remote.TL;DR The question:Is it acceptable to ask for a raise so you can afford to live in the area? Is saying you might have to start looking for another job or live in another state too threatening?Id appreciate any thoughtscommentsexperienceadvicejokescriticisms youd want to share! Thank you!Edit: Thanks for all the advice! I decided not to ask until I have another job offer or its actually time for my review. I was afraid I wasnt going to get approved for a high enough mortgage that would buy anything within 2 hours of my work, but luckily I can afford some stuff 30-40 minutes away which isnt too bad.  <response>: Nobody at work cares about your drama with your girlfriend and your dog. If you ask for a raise, you need to be prepared to be fired for some crap shortly thereafter. Bette plan is just to get a better job in a normal place with normal rentals. 