I currently work a retail job that pays so little, I can't afford groceries. I have a trade license and have worked in my trade 2 years employed and 2 years freelance (only really enough to pay for coffee once a month, unfortunately). I have an opportunity to switch jobs to use my license again, but the pay would be $6/hr less with the possibility of tips. The possible new place says that with tips I'd be making $12/hr more than I do at retail, but I don't trust that number. I'm part of a marginalized community and retail has killed my soul and is now breaking down my body. Retail also just added new job responsibilities without increasing pay. My partner says I should tell retail that I'm looking for a new job and use it as leverage for higher pay. I'm really stuck between a rock and a hard place (as I have been since covid started honestly) and I don't know what to do.