I hope I'm not making a mistake

...and most of them -- but not all -- move back after a short period of time.

It won't be easy, especially at that time of year. It will be tougher to get a job in September than it would as tourist season gears back up. On the other hand, it will be easier to find available places to live, and it will be less expensive; it will just be harder to come by the money to pay the rent.

So bring down enough money to get along for a few months, if you can. And make sure to keep enough money to get back, if you absolutely need to. But don't be discouraged by people whose frame of reference for "reasonable" is not doing anything beyond the borders in which they've grown up. It will be an adventure, and like any adventure, some things won't turn out as you expect, and ajustment may be difficult. Best case, you love it, you stay, you prosper. Worst case, you hate it, you learn, you move on -- but you still have experience under your hat you would not have if you listen to the "reasonable" people.

My take: recent college grads are the ones who benefit most from different experiences. Going to the Caribbean may hurt your career in the narrow sense and in the very short run, but the life experiences you gain, regardless whether or not you stay, will serve you a lifetime, whatever your career path.

And one more thing: As hard as it may be, it will be far harder to do this after you have started a career. It's harder to leave things behind that you have built up, and to interrupt an upward career path. So if you don't do it now, you will likely always wonder what life would have been like. Don't wonder.

OK, off the soap box now...

great advice mschuy! most people were supportive when we decided to move down here, although some were negative. i honestly think it has more to do with envy than anything else. take a chance, if you don't like it you can always move back stateside. you only live once! good luck!

We are doing the same thing, but at the "other end" of our life. We are in our mid 50's and semi-retired. All we are bringing is two cars and the stuff that will fit into them. Everything else we stored or sold. We're also moving without a place to live or jobs (I have a pension). We are lucky enough to have money to keep us going for 4-6 months and get us home, if necessary. We plan to give ourselves a year to decide if island life is for us.

Thank you all so much for the inspiration. I really needed it. I do agree that many people are envious as well. I'll keep you posted on how my move goes.
Roxy

Roxy,

Just an observation, I find that the closer it gets to move time, the more negative people become and the more obsticles that they start throwing in you path. Let me know if you notice it too.

Elle

Have to agree with what everyone has said.. I would like to add that I think it is important that folks make an educated move... it increases the success rate I think... because they have a better understanding of what they are getting into and a more realistic picture of what the islands are like. I think the Setters Handbook would help you get informed - if you have not gotten one already you can order it from http://www.vitraders.com it is a book about island living and moving to the USVI.

What did you major in?? What type of jobs are you looking for??

--Islander

I majored in Journalism. I was planning on working for a television news station after college but I'm not happy with the path the news seems to be taking these days. I plan on working in a bar/restaurant in the begiing but I'm hoping I can find other jobs options once I get on my feet. I came to St. Thomas last Christmas on a vacation and I fell in love with it. Coming from Los Angeles, you get your share of superficiality and I liked the way nobody in ST was too preoccupied with their looks or how much money they made. It seems very laid back. Am I right?
Roxy

Hello Roxy, Jouralism and restaurant.... here is my opinion... apply for work at the Daily News for sure, and the local TV stations! Also you might contact the VI tourist publications perhaps for freelance writing work for the guidebooks (that might be enjoyable as you will be writing but not news - if news has turned you off)... you can do this work during the day maybe and then work part time as wait staff at a restaurant.

Well I have never lived in Los Angeles so I can not fairly compare the people there to those here.... however I will take your word on it that you get superficial people and add toit that yes locals in the USVI care very much what they look like... many do their nails and hair at least every few weeks... cloths are sharp when they are going to work and out...however its not a fake superficial caring about appearance but in my opinion more of a they care about their appearance so keep themselves groomed to a T... some people watch others and say what are they wearing and bla bla bla but it is not overboard... I have seen people in curlers at the grocery store - it isn't a big deal though. So know they are not preoccupied but they do care. As for how much money is made - people here like nice things... and to some degree there is pop culture or young people that follow the fads so they are in the latest sneakers and trying to do themselves up in the bling bling - it happens here too. A lot of people here care about the car they drive - thats a biggie - LOL and their sneakers and cell phone and gold jewerly 🙂 Several years back used to hear - make sure you don't step on a persons snearkers you might get into a brawl. I don't think its a big deal anymore. So yes I would say you wouldn't run into that overerly superficial ideology here... but there are other factors to consider as well so do try and read as much about the islands so that you are prepared, also ask what ever questions you think of here so that you can get insight.

Good Luck.

--Islander

I agree with Islander (of course!)...there are people here who wear suits and pantyhose and fancy hair-dos and 4" long fingernails...there are also people who wear shorts to work everyday! But I think there is a feeling of "do-your-own-thing", although you do have to be careful about not crossing the line of not enough clothes. A t-shirt and shorts will get you most places (except church!), but some of the skimpier styles will get you stares if not outright verbal abuse! About the money thing, while there are some who need the latest Hummer (or whatever) they are few and far between- and they call attention to themselves! I think the Daily News could use a new proof reader as I caught several big errors in the last week or so!

Linda,
Can you tell me who you are using to ship your cars and/or estimates that you were given. I am assuming that you checked into being allowed to pack your car full of items. I am thinking of doing the same thing - just packing the car and selling everything else. I would like to hear of some of the hurdles you have run into and experiences. I have received some quotes on moving my car, plus I am aware of the 3.5% tax on the total value of the car as it is not an American made car.

Many thanks!
~S

It was so interesting to read all of your posting. Rox, my wife Grace also fel in love with Magen Bay first time we came to STT 2/3 yrs ago in Jan - we might move to STT or at this point I am giving more attention for St Croix - nest USVI where property is at a better price. Can you tell me how much it costs to ship a car ? Thanks & good luck.

I am in my mid 40's but thinking of retiring early.

Thanks for the advice Islander,
I will definately apply to the Daily News and the local television stations. And I don't mind people caring about their appearances, everyone does. I just don't want to have to deal with people who are overly fake. But I guess you run into that wherever you go. Either way, I'm really excited about the move and thanks everyone for all the great feedback.
Roxy

Roxy,
I'm guessing you are referring to the mist on tans, silicone body parts, botox, Rodeo Drive, where you can't get into a shop unless your decked out in Versace and flashing your American Express 24K gold card with diamond encrusted numbers. I know exactly what you mean about laid back on the islands. There is a difference between taking pride in one's appearance and making an appearance. Going to all the right clubs, wearing the right clothes, and seeing the right plastic surgeon. When I go to LA, I'm a Venice Beach girl and even that still has some of the wanting to be seen undertones (Muscle Beach for example). In my opinion Islanders' have pride and nice things too but the "fake attitude" just isn't prevalent like it is in LA.

Good luck Roxy and enjoy the journey!