job market in st croix

Houses/apartments seem plentiful in the paper - The Avis. In my opinion, jobs right now are very s-l-o-w.

Does The Avis have a website or list jobs, etc. somewhere on the web?

Thanks

Hello,

The Avis doesn't have a website.

--Islander

Is there another source for employment in STX?

Unless you have a very specific, very marketable skill, it is difficult to secure a job, or even an interview from long distance. Most people come here with enough savings to live until they find work. Employers want to see you face on-island before going to the trouble of considering you for work. Too many people say they are coming and then don't.

Good luck.

I can attest to the job hunt. It is slow. My husband is in the military. I am college degreed and have been looking for a job for a month, nothing. Oh, there are jobs here and there, but you really have to 1) be here, and 2) know someone. Well, I am here, and do know a few people, but have had little luck. I know you are thinking, well she probably isnt as outgoing as I am. Well, let me tell you, I am a friendly, energetic, outgoing, hardworking person. I have experience in many different fields and have still had NO luck!! I have applied both online (virginislanddailynews) and through the avis. Wish me luck. I didn't think it was possible to go stir crazy on a beautiful island, but it is happening.....Good luck, do your research and come and visit. Many businesses here do not believe that people will actually come. Some of the people who do come, change their minds and leave the businesses "holding the bag." So, you do have to prove you are really serious. Once again, good luck. I will be happy to help if there is any way I can (seeing as how I have PLENTY of time:)

I think that all goes hand in hand. If a business does not pay enough for a person to pay for cost of living that person is more likely forced to leave the island. Simple as that. I have seem postings for housecleaners paying $7.50 an hour. One would be lucky to find anyone under $12 an hour around here at the east cost.Yet cost of living on the island is just as high as on the east coast. Fair pay is important for the island economy. If businesses are not willing to compensate faily they are not supporting the local economy. Companies like Starbucks had notice high turn around early on. As soon as they gave benefits to part timers and gave stock option the turn around stopped. Starbucks saved a lot of money on training and now has qualified staff. Look at the restaurant business. Pay has not gone up since I left the industry over 10 years ago. That means that people in the restaurant industry now get paid less as cost of living has been going up in the last 10 years.

thanks for all the info..I have lived on Islands most of my life and in New England now (on an Island) and I hope to make St Croix my next home,,,,I also have been in the restaurant industry for 20 plus years and the wages are the same as they were in the 70's .well Ill be in St Croix scouting for work and a new home in late october...wish me.. luck thanks again

What dates will you be here, Sean? There are assorted informal gatherings about STX each week for people from the message board. We're always happy to meet new people!

Alexandra,
Do you know of any graphic or video type businesses on STX? If not, do you think there might be a need?

Thanks,

I will be on St Croix from Oct 26th - Nov 9th any advice or sugestions always apreciated . and meeting new people is always good

There are assorted graphics designers, most of whom work out of their homes in a freelance capacity and keep hustling to find work to stay busy. There is a need for that kind of service and more local businesses might become clients of a designer if they were educated in how such services might enhance their businesses and increase sales.

Thanks Alexandra. I'll do some more homework.