Dropping Out & Starting Over

luamy,
Whew - quite a chunk. To start, do some research by reading as many of the old posts as you can stand. Then take a deep breath ..... can you (1) live comfortably this far away from your friends and family? (2) what if the fiancee doesn't work out? Would you still want to move? (3) how important is status in your lifestyle - honestly?

My husband and I moved down here on a lark and while I can't say it has been easy, it has been very good for us as people. I think we have become better people - more accepting of others, less concerned with material status, less concerned with other people's perceptions of where we are in life - by living here. Would that have happened had we stayed in the mainland? Is it just a by-product of age? Perhaps but we will never know.

Every place has good and bad. Basically, you will get out of your VI experience what you put into it.

luamy,

to answer your questions one by one:

how much capital do we need to live: we are coming down with $6,000-$7,000. this will cover the cost of an apt., money to live off of while we look for jobs, etc. this is about what most people bring. also, factor in the cost of airfair ($1000 for us and our 3 cats, one way) and miscellaneous expenses associated with the move ($500-$1,000). so far, after a year of sacrifice, we've managed to save $10,000.

what kind of living should we expect?: it all depends on what you're used to. however, it seems that no matter where you live, you will have a beautiful view of something and be within driving distance of a beach. the cost of living might be higher or about the same depending on where you live now. however, bear in mind that in the VI, you won't have to pay sales tax, extra money to heat your home, or buy winter wardrobes.

how long will it take to find work?: i haven't started looking yet, so i'm not the best peson to tell you. however, based on what i've heard from friends who've taken the plunge, you should find employment of some kind in a few weeks. just what i've heard.

yes, this is a fantasy, which is all the more reason why you should go for it! i, too, am being driven out of the mainland b/c of an unhappy life. you only live once, so do it!

-celeste

I have one comment on the idea of dropping out... Most people who come here because they are unhappy with life and think this place will solve their problems end up even more unhappy and back home in 3-6 months. It is not an easy life style herein the Virgin Islands. Do not chuck everything. If you want to try living here, give yourself a year and don't burn your bridges back home. Be prepared to keep going for at least several months while you get your bearings.

And oh, yeah, no Snuffer burgers...

luamy,

i forgot to mention that you should do a pre-move visit to see if the VI is really for you. stay for as long as you possibly can and put yourself in the position of living on the island. don't treat it totally as a vacation get a feel for what life would be like for you there.

-celeste

There are about 32 stories on this Web site from people who have moved here. They are full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can't remember how to get to them, though. Anyone? Beueller?

BTW, I've been journaling my personal experiences. If you want them, I'll send them. Just e-mail me.

Good luck.

Go to the main home site and click on WHAT TO EXPECT.

What is your email address, I would be interested in reading them.

kc@icc-az.com

I strongly agree with Eastender. I lived in St.Thomas for two years and couldn't wait to get back to Atlanta. Come and stay for about 2 months and see how you like it before moving .