Do this if you want to get fired as soon as they find your replacement. Companies don't appreciate employees who demand raises (especially raises of nearly 19%) and take advantage of a situation. They may need to keep you for awhile so that they have someone doing the work, but as soon as they hire a new one, you're out of there.

If it turns out that you end up with three people's work after your co-workers leave, then it's okay to ask your boss to consider a temporary bump in pay until one or both of the other jobs is filled. If they're not going to fill the other jobs AND you really have a lot more work to do, then it's okay to ask for a raise to compensate for the additional work. But, you do this after the other two have left and it's clear that you will have more work. Asking for anything before they leave is really out-of-place and looks like extortion.

What's the worst case scenario? Can't find a new job. Bad job recommendation from this employer. Depletion of your bank account. Disruption of your personal life.

If the worst doesn't scare you, and the best is more likely, go for it.

Do you have the ability to think this through? It doesn't sound like it. Even if they say yes, unless you are a stellar employee (and from your question, I seriously doubt it) they will train new people and can your @ss, and you will deserve it. That's assuming they don't fire you on the spot.

This isn't enough reason to ask for a raise. You should express your desire for a pay raise for other merits like your own performance within the company. In relation to that, this article may help: http://bitly.com/Q8YtXz

I have a friend who works for the city and did this. he packed up everything and had every intention of leaving. He went into the office and dropped the marbles on the higher ups, they said "let us think over the weekend" he came back to work on Monday with a better paying job working less and flexible hours.

Answer mine!

It can work either way. Maybe you get the raise, maybe they say bye bye..

Two top performers that my boss knows I'm close with have given their 2 weeks notices in today.

I don't see them hiring new people.

Should I ask for a raise & bonus in exchange for agreeing to stay until year-end?

I was thinking $13,000 spot bonus or a substantial increase in my salary so I don't take the $13k and leave. My salary is $70k, and they will be getting $110k. But they also have 6-7 yrs more experience than me.

I want to do this before it is announced.