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Hello islanders. My wife and I just returned from a trip to USVI, and cannot quit thinking about moving there. Both of us had never felt more at home somewhere, than we did during our trip. This was my second trip to the VI's, and my first trip also ended with my having this same feeling. The difference now is, my wife/best-friend has those same feelings, and is the one who brought them up to me.
At any rate, we have started doing research and seriously considering the move. This is my second time at looking into the move, so I am a little more understanding of the hardships required to make it happen than she might be. However, we both agree that if we are going to do it, this would be the time. No kids, we do not yet own a home, still pretty young but have several years of work experience to offer once we get there, etc.....
I have talked to my friends that live, and have lived there (on both STJ and STT) extensively about it. The one concern I have is that I will not be able to find a job in my field down there, even though I have been told there is a need for technical workers. I am currently a systems/network administrator (your friendly IT guy), and have worked in the industry for quite some time. I would not necessarily have to have a systems admin position, it could be outbound computer support, or any type of PC/server related repair/support, I even thought about teaching computers, but dunno about that.
Does anyone have a real world idea of what the technical job market is like there? I have looked on Monster.com and www.ajb.dni.us, they both have some promising leads. But I am wondering if the job market there shares our job markets trait of , "you get the job if you know someone"? Or, is there a genuine shortage of certain types of workers (technical in my case)? I know that my company often puts a job listing online because it is mandated by law for a company to make opportunities available to everyone. However, it is usually someone that used to work with someone that gets the job.
I am fully prepared to take a pretty steep drop in salary, because I know that is almost certainly the way it would be. However, I want to make sure I can continue in this line of work since I have put so much time and effort into the field as a career. Also, if you stop working with technology for a year or so, you will be extremely far behind.
Welp, thanks in advance for any responses. This board is certainly helpful, and enlightening. I appreciate the negative comments especially (taken with grain of salt), because you need them to make a truly informed decision.
Oh, one last question, would it be too difficult to live on St John, and work on St Thomas. One of our friends did it, but I forgot to ask her how that was when I last saw her.
Cheers,
Michael
Posted : June 7, 2004 9:09 pm
Hello,
The computer field here is limited in my opinion as far as hearing of openings frequently. While there is a want for better tech. people particularly from private businesses that want someone to administer and trouble shoot their computers when they have a need - these people are usually "freelance" or small business owners. There are internet companies you could look into. The hospital, government and university have computer people. If you see job openings call and inquire about them, fax your resume. To some extent yes you are right if you know someone you will get a job more easily however if you don't apply you can't get the job period.
There are quite a few people who live on St. Thomas or St. John and work on the other island - so its possiable. Some tudents also make the daily commute.
--Islander
Posted : June 12, 2004 3:50 am
some things are worth giving a second look at to live in paradise. I have seen many people change their chosen profession and love it.
Posted : June 12, 2004 4:01 pm
Kate, what kind of work is available? I could not find any listings for the hotel jobs or office jobs or anything. I would like to work in a hotel or a school. i could manage apartment rentals, etc. i can do retail. are any of these possibilities?
Posted : June 14, 2004 5:04 pm
There are lots of retail jobs. I would also consider going to the Ritz, Westin and any other major Hotel chain down here. They are always hiring for something. The nice thing with them is that you have the opportunity to transfer after six months or a year if you want to try another part of the world.
Posted : June 14, 2004 11:58 pm
