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Trade jobs vs college degree: Texas edition

I'm 19. Everyone in my family says college. But I've been looking at the numbers and I'm not sure it makes sense anymore.

TxDOT construction updates April 2026: Where to expect delays

DFW is permanently under construction. Here's what's active right now and how it affects your commute.

• Adding managed lanes from US-75 to I-30
• Timeline: 2024-2028 (yes, 4 more years)
• Impact: Reduced lanes, shifting patterns. Nighttime full closures common.

Contractor scam targeting hail damage homeowners in north DFW — do not sign anything

After the recent hail storms, unlicensed "storm chasers" are going door-to-door in Frisco, Prosper, Celina, and Allen offering free roof inspections.

• Door-to-door solicitation right after a storm
• Pressure to sign anything immediately
• Company name you've never heard of with out-of-state plates

DFW traffic complaints: A support group for the daily commuter

This is a safe space. Share your traffic trauma.

• Learn a new language
• Read 50 books
• Build a small house

Hidden gems in DFW entertainment: 10 things most people don't know about

DFW has layers. Here are 10 things most residents haven't discovered.

• Individual venue websites
• Personal visits

Interview tips for DFW's biggest employers: What they actually look for

Interviewed at 8 major DFW employers in the last 2 years (and got offers from 5). Here's what each company actually cares about.

• Behavioral interviews focused on teamwork and continuous improvement
• They LOVE STAR format answers
• Ask about "The Toyota Way" — it matters to them

Best mechanic in town that won't rip you off?

I need a trustworthy mechanic. Not a dealership — they quoted me $900 for brake pads and rotors on a midsize sedan. I can buy the parts for $200.

Texas inspection failed for the dumbest reason

Took my car for annual inspection. Everything works fine. Brakes good. Lights good. Emissions good. Failed because one of my tire pressure monitoring sensors is malfunctioning.

Unpopular DFW opinions: Drop yours

I'll go first. These are my unpopular DFW opinions. Bring the heat.

Lost pet in DFW? Here's exactly what to do in the first 24 hours

Your pet is missing. Don't panic. Follow these steps in order.

• Dallas Animal Services — 1818 N Westmoreland Rd, Dallas
• SPCA of Texas — 2400 Lone Star Dr, Dallas. Source: spca.org
• Humane Society of North Texas — 1840 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth. Source: hsnt.org

MLM and pyramid scheme warning: These companies are actively recruiting in DFW

If someone in DFW invites you to a "business opportunity" coffee meeting, a "wealth seminar," or an "entrepreneur mastermind," there's a decent chance it's an MLM. Here's how to identify them.

• Amway (product-based, "business opportunity" meetings at coffee shops across North Dallas)
• Primerica (financial services, targets churches and community groups)
• World Financial Group (insurance, aggressive DFW recruiting)

EV charging situation here is actually improving

Got an EV last year and was worried about charging infrastructure. Honestly it's gotten way better around here even in the last 12 months.

How do adults actually make friends in a new city?

Moved here 8 months ago for work. Know my coworkers and that's about it. I'm in my early 30s. No kids. Don't go to church.

Salary negotiation in DFW: How I got $18K more than the initial offer

Just closed a negotiation for a Senior PM role in Plano. Initial offer: $112K. Final: $130K + $5K signing bonus. Here's exactly what I did.

• Researched the role on Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind
• DFW Senior PM range: $110-145K depending on company/industry
• My target: $130K (75th percentile for the market)

Dating scene here is... something else

Been single for about 6 months. Back on the apps. Some observations about dating around here.

• Every third profile is someone holding a fish they caught
• The question "what church do you go to" comes up on the first date more often than I expected
• Distances are insane. Matched with someone who seemed great — they live 45 minutes away. That's a 90-minute round trip for a dinner date

RoboCop was filmed in Dallas and nobody ever talks about it. What other movies have DFW connections?

I was watching RoboCop for the millionth time and my girlfriend goes "wait is that Dallas City Hall?" YES IT IS. The entire movie was shot in Dallas even though it's set in Detroit. You can spot downtown buildings, the convention center, all of it.

I go to the movies 3x a week in DFW. Here are the theaters worth your time and the ones scamming you.

I have AMC A-List AND an Alamo season pass. Yes I have a problem. But I've been to every theater in this city and I have strong opinions.

RoboCop was filmed in Dallas and nobody ever talks about it. What other movies have DFW connections?

I was watching RoboCop for the millionth time and my girlfriend goes "wait is that Dallas City Hall?" YES IT IS. The entire movie was shot in Dallas even though it's set in Detroit. You can spot downtown buildings, the convention center, all of it.

Auto repair shop ripoffs in DFW: Know the tricks and your rights

Auto repair is one of the top consumer complaint categories filed with the Texas AG. Here are the most common shop scams.

• Written estimate required. Texas Occupations Code 2305.151 requires a written estimate before work begins.
• Authorization required. No work beyond the authorized estimate without your explicit approval.
• Right to old parts. You can request all replaced parts be returned to you.

DFW tech job hunting tips: How to actually get hired in 2026

The DFW tech job market is competitive. Here's what's actually working.

• LinkedIn — still the #1 source for DFW tech jobs. Optimize your profile for DFW keywords.
• Indeed — volume is high, quality varies. Good for filtering DFW-specific roles.
• Glassdoor — use for research + job listings. Source: glassdoor.com

DFW pet boarding and daycare: Where to leave your fur baby when you travel

Left my dog at Camp Bow Wow in Frisco for a week while we went to Mexico and I have mixed feelings. The webcam was nice for peace of mind but the play areas looked overcrowded when I checked.

DFW nightlife safety tips: How to have fun and get home safe

DFW nightlife is great but smart planning keeps it that way.

• Uber/Lyft: Always have both apps installed. DFW surge pricing can be $40-80 from Deep Ellum at bar close (2AM). Pre-schedule a ride before you go out.
• DART: Last trains leave downtown around midnight on weekends. Plan accordingly. Source: dart.org
• Designated driver: The OG method. Rotate the responsibility.

Trade school and vocational training in DFW: Careers that don't need a 4-year degree

Not everyone needs a bachelor's degree. DFW trades are booming and paying well.

• HVAC technician — DFW demand is massive (it's Texas, AC is life). Median: $52,000. Top earners: $75,000+. Source: BLS.gov.
• Electrician — licensed journeyman median: $58,000. Master electrician: $80,000+. Source: BLS.gov.
• Plumber — median: $55,000. Master plumber: $80,000+. DFW construction boom = constant demand.

Road construction has been going on for 3 years and nothing changed

There's a stretch of highway near me that has been under construction since before the pandemic. Orange barrels. Lane closures. Reduced speed limits. For THREE YEARS.

Doctor/dentist recs that take insurance and aren't booked 3 months out?

I've been trying to find a primary care doctor and a dentist for two months. Everyone is either not taking new patients, doesn't take my insurance, or has the next available appointment in August.