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Hi all, I may take a job with a local Excursion company in STT. I will be out there and honest to say I will only be getting 550 a week. Here, that is decent but our cost of living is much lower, 33% lower, I believe.
The pros and cons are really hard to weight out, however. Just a little background, I'm 28, my car is paid off but I do have medical bills and other small debts that I would like to eliminate. My concern is that, yes, this would be a great experience for me, but with the cost of living being higher and the wages being comparible, would I accrue more debt.
It seems to bring my own vehicle has its pros and cons as well. To sell it, I wouldn't get much but shipping it seems ridiculous and I don't know if my insurance company would insure me there, I need to call on that one. Then again, purchasing one in STT seems to be an extreme hassle. The vehicles I've seen for sale online were overpriced crap and would probably result in a car payment, which I would like to avoid for a while.
I'm really torn. I don't know if this is a move I can do solo. A friend and I were going to be making this trip together but his health does not permit a relocation, for now.
Is it hard to find a roommate over the internet? Has anyone had luck with this?? It would be the absolute only way I could do this and be financially ok.
Any input, brutally honest preferred, would be appreciated.
Thx,
Bethany
Posted : July 28, 2007 5:26 am
My opinion is, whether it's net or gross, you cannot make it here on $550 a week. Many people who already live here do make it on that or less, but they have family support and probably are living below a level that would be acceptable to you.
It is possible to find an inexpensive apartment and/or a roommate, but not until you are actually on island.
I would estimate that AT LEAST half of your monthly income would go to rent and other living expenses. Even without debt, it would be a struggle to live. And you would have considerable start up cost -- getting here, first, last and security on an apartment, utility deposits, shipping or buying a car.
To have any chance at all you would have to take a second job, waiting tables maybe.
Sorry to be a such a downer.
Posted : July 28, 2007 10:44 am
Ronnie's place, Villa Fairview starts at $875.00/month but that includes all utilities & cable so you wouldn't have to lay out money for deposits right away.
That's a real problem with a lot of regular apartments - you need first, last & security plus deposits for the utilities.
You don't need your insurer there to insure your car. We have insurance agents here.
It'll be a tight squeeze on $550/week unless you can supplement your income with waitressing, etc. until you're earning more & if you're any good & have a great work ethic & good history you WILL earn more. Does your prospective employer have other workers looking for roommates or will they assist in finding living arrangements? If not, save your money before coming down.
Posted : July 28, 2007 1:08 pm
I think if you re-read the first paragraph in your original post you will find the answer.
Posted : July 28, 2007 2:50 pm
Hi. What is the job with the excursion company? Will you be getting tips? That could make the difference.
Posted : July 30, 2007 11:39 am
Topic starter
Based on all of your replies, this doesn't appear to be the job for me. :((
I'm very low maintenance but even 550 here is hard to live on.
Thank you all for all of your replies; they were very helpful!
Beth
Posted : July 31, 2007 12:08 am
