Is anyone staying?

Staying.

Trying to leave (after 24 years)

JulieKay [ PM ]

Late to the party, but we're not going anywhere either.

And since our business is based in the States, we make our money in the States and bring it here and spend it here. I shop locally as much as possible. cool I think more people are figuring out how to work remotely as well - it's a growing method of being employed.

I also believe that the island is much more positive now that Hess/Hovensa is gone. It's like a cloud lifted in some ways. The economic fall-out has been tough, and will continue to be, but all we can do is continue to be positive and think creatively and support each other. I love what I'm doing and our life here is wonderful, despite the challenges.

In the end, life is what we think it is. What I think it is is pretty darn good. smiling

We wound up having to leave. I remember this thread, sadly.

So JulieKay
O.K. so what is it, staying of going? You can't do both!

'We're not going anywhere' and then a few hours later, 'we wound up having to leave'!

Confused!

Back two years ago for good after an 8 year exile in Florida. This will be my 20th year on St. Croix. A lot to complain about, a lot to love, but for me the most comfortable place I have ever lived.

JulieKay [ PM ]

Late to the party, but we're not going anywhere either.

And since our business is based in the States, we make our money in the States and bring it here and spend it here. I shop locally as much as possible. cool I think more people are figuring out how to work remotely as well - it's a growing method of being employed.

I also believe that the island is much more positive now that Hess/Hovensa is gone. It's like a cloud lifted in some ways. The economic fall-out has been tough, and will continue to be, but all we can do is continue to be positive and think creatively and support each other. I love what I'm doing and our life here is wonderful, despite the challenges.

In the end, life is what we think it is. What I think it is is pretty darn good. smiling

We wound up having to leave. I remember this thread, sadly.

So JulieKay
O.K. so what is it, staying of going? You can't do both!

'We're not going anywhere' and then a few hours later, 'we wound up having to leave'!

Confused!

If you look at my "we're not going anywhere" post, it's from July - not a "few hours later." Check the time stamps. The other one is from yesterday. In August we had to discuss if we could stay on St. Croix. We wound up having to leave due to business and personal reasons and left in November.

Sad to see and hear about more people leaving St. Croix 🙁

Sad to see and hear about more people leaving St. Croix 🙁

It's part of island life! People come and go regularly whether the times be thick or the times be thin. For very few transplants is it a "forever" move - a highly transient society.

There are lots of us that are staying. Itis an amazing place to live and raise a family. We are fortunate and have a firefighters retirement from California (at age 50), and I am employed with a great job! Only complaint is not enough time to enjoy all that STX has to offer!!! Soon come, meh son!!!!

We are working to move there! Praying and crossing fingers that it all works out.

As a retired firefighter from California, glad we're here for at least part of the year.

We have been here for a quick 6 years and frankly have had enough of the island life.

After 11 years in the Caribbean, we are ready for change. This will be our last week on STX before we move on and we wish the best for everyone who is staying.

We have enjoyed our time here and have met some wonderful friends but the economy is the guide to the future of this island and we don't see it improving anytime in the near future. We 'hope' it does but life is too short to 'hope'.

tropo: I hope you will write a little review of your time here. So often we hear people who want to move here, do, and then they disappear. It would be nice to hear what you have to say about what you were expecting and what you found....

And best wishes to you in your new, post-island life.

I had no choice. I had followed the news and noticed the deal with ABR was going nowhere. I had been working turnarounds all the time waiting for this. My certifications and experience of over 10 years are in industrial sites. I received a long term job opportunity I just couldn't pass up. Very good friends and collegues are struggling to figure out what to do because they were counting on HOVENSA at least was going to continue as a storage facility.

The loud minority won.

Given the chance, I would come back...

We are!

Staying, that is.

Wouldn't change our life for anything.

CD

Finally gave up and decided to go. The economy will not improve anytime soon, and I have bills to pay.
Spent a frustrating three months chasing down jobs that certain companies post on the DOL website...but have no intention of actually hiring people for. Such a high-level scam.
Going somewhere where things matter.

sorry to hear that. do you mind my asking where you are going? and what about the mapp/potter admin, people say there are great jobs listed?

sorry to hear that. do you mind my asking where you are going? and what about the mapp/potter admin, people say there are great jobs listed?

Sent them a resume, received a form letter as a response. Don't have the time to wait in a queue of thousands. Bills don't wait.

Mapp announced yesterday that there will be restructuring of government employees, especially management positions. He warned people that the State of the Territory address will probably reveal bad financial news.

Paradise isn't paradise if you need a job and don't have one.

Makes me sad to see so many leaving, whether it's a choice or due to lack of jobs... I read on another forum that quite a few people are leaving. I'm starting to wonder if there will be anyone left by the time I get there. Jah, do you plan on ever returning? For what it's worth, your posts' thus far have been incredibly helpful to me, so thank you for taking the time to get on here and comment while you were there. No doubt you've helped many people. Wish you the best on your new journey in life!

Makes me sad to see so many leaving, whether it's a choice or due to lack of jobs... I read on another forum that quite a few people are leaving. I'm starting to wonder if there will be anyone left by the time I get there.

It's a highly transient society - always has been, always will be. People leave (including those born here) for a multitude of reasons. When something "big" happens - a major hurricane, the closing of the oil refinery, etc.) the exodus is greater. Probably 90% of the people I got to know in my first 10 years here are long gone. I've been contributing to this website for 7-8 years (maybe more, I lose track!) and there are VERY few of the very active posters from that time still here. A handful at most. Just the way it is!

Yeah, I understand/am aware. Still doesn't make it any less sad to me. I'm sure some would like to stay, but just can't due to the job situation... I hate that for everyone. Oh to live in a world where we all could just live in "paradise" worry free.. le sigh. OldTart, thanks for your contributions to this site as well! You all are helping those of us on the outside looking in a great deal.

Working in industrial sites usually does pay very well. I get full benefits (401K, health insurance, etc.) plus overtime. Probably many of those who say are leaving have gotten used to those benefits, and also their job experience, certifications, and qualifications only apply to said working environments. Diageo, Cruzan, & WAPA do not provide enough opportunities and usually the jobs are already spoken for.

Some will stay and move on to new things, others may try to jump into the job offers you all mention. Working for the Govt. normally does carry benefits, but the pay rate isn't anywhere near what I get paid for, at least in my case. IMHO, I don't think is going to be a big exodus as most have already left. Here in Ohio, another Crucian is working with us because he had no choice.

I would love to come back. It is the hands of HOVENSA to make a move and get some cooperation from the VI Govt.

Very true. Is there talk of another plant moving into Hovensa's spot? I would think the environmental damage from such a place would make those living there not want to jump on board... but then it is jobs, money, better economy, etc... I'm very curious how the majority felt about such a business being on the island..?? If it shouldn't be discussed on this thread (or at all), please let me know.. don't mean to step on any toes.

The governor is meeting with them today, I think, and should have something to report, but who knows what?

jah, true on many people applying for a few positions . i had thought for only a second about applying for a job at the hospital in the field i am currently in, thought better of it very quickly especially due to their issues.

i wish you the best in your new adventure