Is it realistic to find a job from stateside?

The reality is that over the years companies receive thousands of inquiries from people who are looking for work and say they are moving down to the islands BUT NEVER SHOW UP. As a result most, if not all, employers decided long ago not to even consider hiring someone who is not actually on-island. Sorry if this is not what you want to hear but it's the way things are in the islands.

It sounds harsh but employers don't really care if you are "a current graduate whose income comes from substitute teaching, most of which I am saving for my move to the islands. So flying down getting a local mail box and pay as you go phone is not applicable".

You are not the only one who wants to relocate to the Caribbean and you are not the only one looking for a teaching position or a hospitality position with a resort or hotel. You have to compete with other applicants just like you would anywhere else.

The best advice you'll get is to save your money until you have enough to support yourself for say 6 months while you search for employment. In the event you can't find a job in your chosen filed be prepared to take a temporary position that will pay you some money so you can continue your search.

I usually tell people that they should bring between $10,000 and $15,000 with them. For example, most landlords will require first, last and one month's security. For a $1,000 apartment/house, that's $3,000 right now. Add $2,500 to either buy an inexpensive car or ship yours, oh, don't for get car insurance - most companies require the total annual payment up front. And you are at $6,500. Of course, people do it for less, but you should ask yourself if you're willing to have a roommate (or 2), use public transportation, and work 2 jobs.

It sounds about right, I picture myself as a business owner. What would I do?

I don't like it, but I understand.

So you say 6 months of savings? Giving me 6 months to find work. I had planned for 2-3. I don't want to screw my self over. I know a year isn't much in the scheme of things, but sometimes it sure seems like it. Im a bit confused. Guess I need some time to figure things out 🙂

I do already have a roomate coming with me we live together right now. We share a 1 bedroom for 600 a month. We are not looking to live luxuriously, just a similar life we live now in a different setting.

I think it all depends on how creative and aggressive you are. One lady seems to be doing well with Zumba classes that she started last year. Don't know what she did before she started that. Check VI Ecotours. They're usually looking for guides. Check the "adventure" excursions. The University has a fitness center, and they're always looking for new classes to offer. None of these jobs will probably pay that well, but if you get one, keep looking until you find something more substantial.

Thanks a bunch, I lead bootcamp classes out here for athletes and general pop, I do plan to do St. Croix Outdoor Fitness Classes, but it is always more challenging to gain an audience in a new area. I also so Flex VI was hiring a personal trainer, but again are they going to hire someone from IL, my guess is not likely.

I do appreciate the recommendations though I will look into them. After all it only takes one lead to go through.

-Tom

They will not hire you while you are in IL.Goseethemwhen you get here.

I landed a chef job via Craigslist. It took about 20 back and forth emails, several phone call interviews, as well as reference checks.
My scenario was a lucky one in that it was a small operation and I dealt directly with the boss. Larger companies will have plenty of red tape to get through in order to speak w the decision maker.

It's possible!

No, unless you are in demand and right now that is basically teachers and nurses.

hmmm so recently obtaining my teaching degree may give me a chance 😉

I have sent e-mails to a lot of private schools, some I have found difficult to find an employment section. Also, the person I am coming down with is a CNA he will be attending UofVI to become a nurse.

There is hope I say!

Most private schools are always looking for subs. The pay is decent compared to substituting in the states. Most schools want to see you first and have you substitute before hiring. It worked for a friend of mine. Look at the employment section of the schools website and contact them by phone. You may get a better response. Although you teach PE, at private schools they don't seem to mind what your degree is in as long as you have a teaching certificate.

I have seen different experiences regarding getting hired from off island. I own a small apartment complex, and we often rent to people who are just moving to the island because they are starting a new job. Already hired from off island. Some came down on a PMV and were actually interviewed face to face, but not all.

Very often I hear from people being hired at one of the resorts. Carambola (Renaissance) more than the others.

Was that $600 per month per person?? If it was total for the apartment, don't expect to find that kind of deal.

Yea $600 a month above a dance studio lol. No we are renting cheap to save, but expect 750-900 maybe up to a 1000 if I can secure employment.

I have been looking at schools for 3 or 4 months now if not longer, it is difficult to find employment sections for most schools and emails rarely get a response. I guess it is time to move on to the calling phase!

I'm glad although I teach "PE" they don't mind as long as I have a teaching certificate......Do they let people with history degrees sub to since they have a teaching degree?

I know your trying to help, and not being rude, but the PE stigma as unequal to other subjects is a rough one for us.

There's a position for First Mate on http://www.career.vi

There is a job post for a marine mechanic but they dont answer the phone. Anyone ever heard of Sage Industries? How about any other outboard or marine repair facility? Cant seem to find a phone book for the USVI. 30 years experience with outboards and inboard/outboard. Also have about 4yrs with jet skis. My wife is an RN and has been in touch with the hospital on STT but she surely doesnt want me enjoying the island without her. Lol

There is a job post for a marine mechanic but they dont answer the phone. Anyone ever heard of Sage Industries? How about any other outboard or marine repair facility? Cant seem to find a phone book for the USVI. 30 years experience with outboards and inboard/outboard. Also have about 4yrs with jet skis. My wife is an RN and has been in touch with the hospital on STT but she surely doesnt want me enjoying the island without her. Lol

Wow, an experienced marine mechanic and a registered nurse? I'd be surprised if the two of you couldn't both find jobs right away.

Your experience with them not answering the phone is kind of typical down there. Don't set your bets on any one place, just like if you were looking for a job stateside - even for your wife with the hospital. There are plenty of other business on the island that could use an RN, even if she is not specifically hired to be an RN.

As far as a marine mechanic, you could almost just walk up and down the docks all over the island to get jobs - it would not be consistent work at first, but I am sure you would find people who have this problem or that problem. I would certainly make sure that if I had that job with any company, I would let the owners of the vessels I worked on know exactly what my name is, and then after a couple of years of developing a reputation, you could easily strike out on your own. Hell, even the auto places do some marine work, and you could definitely apply your knowledge to cars/trucks/motorcycles.

Cajun Tech...pm me for information on how to contact Sage Industries they are still looking for a marine mechanic, incorrect contact information for Sage was printed. I work for them and would be happy to pass on contact information.