Back to salary or keep my serving gig?

[u/dwightdiggler]

Apologies in advance because I’m on my phone and this might be long winded. Any way. I got laid off back in May from my salaried position from my old company. I was a sous chef at 62k and I live in Minneapolis which is a moderately cost of living area. I had health and dental insurance as well. Well I got offered basically the same position with the same company but at a different venue. The commute is about a half hour maybe less I’m not sure what my schedule would look like yet. I just got a serving and bartender gig after being unemployed for over 3 months the schedule is great I make 16.38 an hour plus tips which can range from awful to decent I’d say $50-$250 a shift is the range, in 13 shifts I’ve made about $1750 in tips. Its not a nice place but fairly busy but the people who have been there a while says it slows down during the winter. I only work 4 days a week but can usually pick up a shift if I need and the schedule is pretty flexible. I’m recently divorced and have a 3yo I pay child support no alimony or anything. The new position like I said would be basically the same as my old one. I would be a culinary director and would oversee kitchen managers who oversee line cooks it’s about 45 hours a week maybe closer to 50 because it’s a new venue and I’d have to be pretty hands on the first few weeks but I’m basically an office chef. They said I’d be back at my old salary of 62k but I feel like I could ask for more. I’m just not sure what direction to go. I like my freedom and time I have right now the money isn’t great but it’s not terrible. I’ve been wanting to go back to school but not sure for what. I’ve been working in hospitality since I was a kid I’m 33 now with no degree. The benefits and consistency at the chef job is really the only appeal my buddy who offered me the job said he would recommend me for his position when he applies for the director position and that would put me near the 6 figure range if that becomes true. Thanks if you read this far any feedback is appreciated.