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Sorry for another "planning to relocate" thread but here ya go 😉
My wife and I have recently decided that we are tired of the life we are living (we are happy but we want more out of life). We are planning to relocate to the USVI in the next 5 years, we are planning on visiting all 3 islands (no resorts, visiting to research), then revisit 2 of them, and then a long 7-10 day stay at what we believe to be or island of chose.
My wife is an RN with 7 years experience, she has always gotten every job she has every wanted. I on the other hand have a degree in history and I'm used to struggling to find decent work. The last 2 years I've been an operations manager at a small recycling facility (would love to start something on the island but the startup $$ is quite large and margins are quite small)
I however have other skills that I believe these next 5 years I can grow to build my online business up enough for supplemental income (10-30k/year). From there I think I could find something that I enjoy doing (either something outdoors or involving the fitness industry) and not worry as much with the lower than average pay. Not worried about internet/power outages, it's an online business that simply requires email and the occasional skype/text/phone call.
My wife and I are both 30 years old, no kids, do not plan to have them, and far from materialistic. I've read through countless of threads on this website and countless articles.
I have looked at costs of living as best I can for the time being. My question is this, could a rental budget of 800-1100/month give us any decent option on the islands?
I see lots of options on Craigslist but I am always Doubting it's legitimacy. We plan on saving about 50k before we move to the island, but I know better than to purchase, and even if purchasing was a great idea I like having money in the bank more than equity.
Also I know it's 5 years, but u cannot plan too soon in my opinion. Thanks everyone!
Posted : April 2, 2017 5:24 pm
"Sorry for another "planning to relocate" thread..."
Hey,that's what this board is for!! Welcome and ask away. Nurses are always needed.And planning is good.;)
Posted : April 2, 2017 11:41 pm
800-1100/month is probably not unreasonable on STX, maybe not so much on STJ, STT is in the middle. Of course a lot of variation in what you get for that and where it's located on island.
Posted : April 3, 2017 12:52 am
I think you should just start as you mentioned and narrow it down to the island you want to live on. THEN ask questions. They are so totally different it's hard to generalize.
Posted : April 3, 2017 2:01 am
I think your "5 year plan" is an intelligent way to investigate if island life is right for you and your spouse. Having a nest egg of 50K will go a long way toward making your move (if you do decide to relocate) relatively easy. Your spouse's employment record should make her skills quite marketable. As for you, it was not clear from your post what type of employment you'd be seeking once you get on island but if you are willing to remain flexible you might find a situation that fits your particular skills. I can't comment on the long term viability of your internet business since you didn't give any specifics.
You did make a couple of comments which you might want to rethink:
First, after you've made your initial visits the the different islands and have decided on the island you like best you mentioned doing a "long 7-10 day stay". Quite honestly, 7 to 10 days is not LONG. If possible try to stretch that out for several weeks or come for several 7 to 10 day trips at different times of the year to get a better feel for year round island life.
Second, you said "...My wife and I have recently decided that we are tired of the life we are living (we are happy but we want more out of life)...". Before making any move you should figure out what is making you "tired of life". Relocating anyway may not solve your problems, whatever they may be. Some people mistakenly believe life in the islands is simple and a great panacea that will suddenly make everyday problems melt away. In fact island life has it's own set of challenges. Remember, unless you have an independent source of income, you still have to get up every morning and go to work, pay bills, do the laundry, go grocery shopping, fix your car when it breaks down, do banking as well as any number of everyday chores. In other words, the grind of daily life happens in the Caribbean much the same as in any other place.
I'm not trying to dissuade you but rather advising you to take off the rise colored glasses and look at the reality of things.
Read through the various posts on this forum, study the info in the dropdown menus at the top of this page, make your pre-move visits and ask questions. the more research you do, the better prepared you'll be.
Good luck, following your dream.
Posted : April 3, 2017 12:31 pm
tired of the life you live, want more out of life.
personally i think you can find more out of life on the mainland then here. not saying anything negative about here.
Posted : April 3, 2017 1:48 pm
I agree, that's the one thing that scares me about moving permanently there. The lack of going to a sporting event, special events, etc. It will be an adjustment and lifestyle change and a mindset change for sure. I've lived in 7 different states in the last 20 years due to my career, so I am adaptable to change. I think i will survive on the island, just will need to find my niche.
Posted : April 3, 2017 8:18 pm
Did you ever look into teaching? With your background in history?
Posted : May 3, 2017 3:58 am
