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Topic starter
Hello everyone,
I'm Bryon and I desperately want to move to St. Croix with my two kids. I have a diverse skills which include, electrical work, plumbing, welding, pipe fitting, designing, engineering and for the past 15 years I've been a professional videographer/photographer. I went through a very rough divorce and I have to start over. Several years ago my father had the opportunity to go to St. Croix and work there for about 6 months. During his time there he called me several times and told me how wonderful the island and the people are. He tried talking me into moving there to establish a video/photo business. My father unfortunately passed away recently and I am at a point in my life where I feel a change would be beneficial.
So, I am looking for contacts. People who might need video work or photo work when I get down there. I'm looking for people to show me the island and scenic places to film. I'm looking to possibly barter my services for a place to stay or set up a small office/studio. Any advice would be welcomed.
I have a website: www.DreamDayVideos.com and www.GreenTopMedia.com
I've thought long and hard about moving and it is really what I want to do. I'm motivated, friendly and eager to get started. My plan is to be on the island before October. I would also like contacts in the wedding industry.
Thank you for your time,
Bryon Carey
Posted : August 9, 2010 10:19 pm
I'm sure this in not what you want to hear, but here goes:
I don't think you can nail down employment from off-island. For this type of personal service, you will probably have to be be on St. Croix. Are you planning to move down with your children? If so, I SERIOUSLY suggest you hold off until you have a lot of money saved, maybe $15,000. You will have to secure temporary housing until you find a suitable house/apartment. And, you might have to take whatever job you can find until you can make the contacts necessary for work in your field. If your children are school age, will they go to private or public school? I'm not going to go into detail, but you will need to do research regarding the school issue.
If possible, a better option might be coming down first alone and getting settled before bringing the kids. Or better yet, all 3 of you come down for a 2-3 week pre-move visit, before you decide..
good luck.
Posted : August 10, 2010 4:16 am
The wedding industry is much bigger on Stt then Stx. Here I think it would be extremely hard to break in and make enough money to support yourself let alone a family. I would suggest photography be your second job/hobby for the first year or two. It takes a while to get the ball rolling here. And there are many good photographers here already. Maybe someone knows a niche I don't know about but it seems like a field that is a little glutted on our very small island.
Posted : August 10, 2010 2:14 pm
Three well know by locals just started a video service, both underwater and above including weddings. Two of the three still have their day jobs to make ends meet.
I know of at least one other video business and I am only there part time so I'm sure there are several more.
It would be a tough row to hoe.
I think you would do better in the construction end.
Posted : August 10, 2010 11:07 pm
video stuff might be fun but it seems there are ALWAYS openings for pipefitters in the Labor dept job listings....and with decent pay, if I recall correctly. Might need certifications etc, but I don't know about that part... it apparently is a skill in short supply, likely needed at the refinery.
Posted : August 11, 2010 2:16 am
Topic starter
Good advice everyone and thank you very much. Photo and video work is my passion so I could never give them up. I could do them on the side and work another full time job. I'll post when I have my plans made. In the mean time, if anyone has or knows of a decent job opportunity, even a home-sitter/care taker position, please let me know.
Have a great day!
Posted : August 11, 2010 4:29 am
check out vidol.gov and career.vi-both are job listing web sites
Posted : August 11, 2010 11:35 am
Bryon,
Big difference. Your father had a job.
You can get lots of good advice in this forum. Some of that good advice is above. Also, see http://stcroixsource.com/
Good luck,
Edward
Posted : August 11, 2010 9:49 pm
