Another relocation question...

Molly -

In general, Hovensa employees are paid better than other positions around the island and many contracts include a housing stipend to stretch the budget that much further/easier. That means Hovensa employees often can afford more expensive housing and some extra activities that others do not have the $$ to support.

Attitudes towards new arrivals at Hovensa are similiar to attitudes towards other new arrivals. Most Hovensa contractors don't plan on living here long-term (although some do extend their contracts and stay for years), so many locals will consider them transcient population and not invest in close friendships. Others who have come from the mainland aren't as apt to treat new arrivals that way (Hovensa or otherwise) and will often readily welcome them into their social group and activities when they find someone compatible.

The really short-term workers that come for just a couple weeks or a month for a special project at Hovensa do get a little different treatment sometimes. They tend to be more rambunctious during their limited time off from the refinery and need to fit all their exploration and revelries into a very short time-span, much like college kids on Spring Break. There are some sections of the population that brace themselves when they know Hovensa is about to bring in a couple thousand people for a month or two as they have done recently for a rebuild on the Coker. Other than that, Hovensa employees are an everyday part of the island's population and accepted as such by most people I know.

Molly, I don't think there's any sort of attitude toward Hovensa employees any more than anyone else - it's all in how you carry yourself and live your life. There are some roughnecks and there was an ugly incident involving a couple of employees a year or so ago, but I would think a hardworking couple would be just fine. It's just the hard drinkers and hard fighters that get a bad name, and lord knows you don't need Hovensa to act a fool. We knew several people who worked there - one guy just had a heart of gold but the rum sort of did him in and he got a little bit of a bad reputation. Overall, I think you'll basically be accepted, at least by the transplants, no matter what you do, for who you are. I don't know about specifically within the plant, though.....maybe someone else can help you. Are you coming on a contract, or for an open-ended period of time?

It will be easier to rent if you have a job at Hovensa. Landlords know you have steady income.

Also, you will have a ready-made base of people that can answer questions and give you advice -- this is a big plus when moving here.