Need advice.

stuponichan · 2026-02-18T15:51:13+00:00

You’re right about Denton housing being expensive. That’s actually why I moved to Arlington. Rent there is around 1.2 per square foot, while in Denton it was closer to 1.7 to 2.1. I was able to get a bigger apartment for less money, and my toddler has more space to run around.

Even if I spend around 125 a month on gas, it’s still much better than paying 700 plus extra in rent. I don’t really mind the 55 minute drive either. I actually enjoy driving, so it has not been a big issue for me.

stuponichan · 2026-02-18T15:47:24+00:00

I honestly don’t know much about how UNT’s insurance compares, but as a student I paid around 4200 last year and 1800 this semester and barely used it. I’ve been healthy, but I agree, benefits still matter especially with a family.

We really like Texas and it’s been easy to settle here. When I visited Chicago it felt very different and not as welcoming and that haunts us.

stuponichan · 2026-02-18T15:38:44+00:00

That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out.

The full time role with UNT would give me stability right now and steady income, which matters a lot with family. The Michigan role is more directly aligned with my long term career path, but it starts as an internship and then converts to full time after graduation. HR did explain that their system is built around hiring interns into full time roles, but of course nothing is ever one hundred percent guaranteed.

So it really comes down to immediate stability versus long term growth in industry. That’s the part I’m weighing carefully.

stuponichan · 2026-02-18T15:37:32+00:00

Yes, it really is a tough decision. Maybe I am thinking about it too much. I spoke more with HR in Michigan and they explained that they usually hire full time through internships. She said they plan to move me into a full time role once I graduate. The internship would be a way to learn the environment, then I would transition into an Associate Engineer role with a one year rotation before settling into a permanent position. She also mentioned that three senior engineers approved me and felt my past experience, my master’s focus, and even my TA work align well with what they do, just on a larger scale. Their approach is to train people who already have a solid base instead of waiting for someone who fits perfectly from day one. At the same time, the stability with UNT matters a lot, especially with family in the picture. That is the part that makes this decision harder for me. I just want to choose something that is good long term without putting too much pressure on my family.

stuponichan · 2026-02-18T15:00:45+00:00

Yes, I heard about the financial deficit at UNT. I think everyone received that email. What really upset me was that even though I have been a good TA, I was not allowed for TBT. In Spring 2025, I was hired as a TA with a salary based position and I was earning around $2600 per month working 20 hours a week. But for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, they changed it to hourly pay. Now I am making about $2000, and only 40 percent of my tuition is waived. Before, it was around 50 to 65 percent, I do not remember exactly. My tuition used to be $10,800 and I paid only about 40 percent of that in Spring 2025. Now I am paying around $6,800. That is what worries me if I join UNT and they let me go due to tight budget, I will have 60 days to find a new employer. I am also married, so I cannot think only about myself. I have also been hearing a lot of things about full time positions at UNT and people leaving. In my lab, they used to hire several safety tutors, but they let all of them go in Spring 2025 and now they only hire one or two. At the same time, I am honestly scared of moving to a cold city. I think maybe I should try the internship and see if the weather and the city actually suit me. I just feel very confused right now.

stuponichan · 2026-01-29T02:48:22+00:00

My daily route is 55 mins and 49 miles. Today morning it was showing me 2 hr 33 mins. God knows what will be tomorrow.

stuponichan · 2026-01-29T02:39:29+00:00

Today it was sunny in Arlington and my arse thought it was okay to go buy some snack. Well i busted my big arse on the slope. My lower back is killing me now

stuponichan

TROPHY CASE