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I hate to bring up a topic that has been recently discussed but I've found this to be the best resource for island advice and am looking to make the move to St. Croix in early Dec. Is it realistic to think that an outgoing person with a good amount of experience in the hospitality industry could find a job (preferably bartending, but I'll take what I can get) at that time? Do wages and tips tend to make up for the high cost of living or is this not necessarily the case? Is a car absolutely necessary to enjoy the island? This seems to be the consensus. I am not worried about getting to work, I can figure it out but I don't want to be stuck on my days off. Sorry if these questions are repetative, I'm trying to glean as much information as possible before making the decision to move. Any advice is most appreciated, thanks.
Posted : October 22, 2008 4:06 pm
Q - Is it realistic to think that an outgoing person with a good amount of experience in the hospitality industry could find a job?
A - Yes, but like job hunting anywhere the degree of YOUR particular level of success will be based on how you present yourself, the exact level of your experience vs. the needs of the potential employer, the number of employment applications you submit, the state of the overall economy at the time of your search and many other factors that are beyond the crystal ball capabilities of the contributors to this forum. In short, there are always jobs available but are they ones you'd like to perform, do you meet the qualifications set by the employer and would you consider it a good job? Only YOU can answer those questions.
Q - Do wages and tips tend to make up for the high cost of living or is this not necessarily the case?
A - Wages and tips don't necessarilly make up for the high cost of living. The biggest Catch-22 about living on an island in the Caribbean is the fact that living expenses are generally higher and wages are generally lower when compared to most places "back home". Many people have to work 2 jobs or significantly change their lifestyle to make ends meet. Again, only YOU will know what adjustments are necessary for YOUR lifestyle.
Q - Is a car absolutely necessary to enjoy the island?
A - Most people will tell you YES, a car is necessary to enjoy the island. Do people live on the island without a car? The answerr is yes. Do those without a car "enjoy" the island? Some do, some don't! It depends on your definition of "enjoy" and what type of life style YOU are use to living. Answer these questions honestly and you'll know what's right for YOU. Do you enjoy the freedom of being able to come and go as you please? Will you be living within walking distance of your job? Will you be living within walking distance of shops and stores? Do you mind spending a good portion of your time waiting for "public transportation" that doesn't run on fixed schedules? Do you mind walking to/from your home or work place to the spot where you take public transportation? Do you mind carrying bags of groceries from the store to your home as often as needed, often over long distances? Will your social life suffer because you don't have access to a car?
If you haven't already done so you'd be wise to make a pre-move visit as you'll be able to get some first hand experience about life in the islands.
Posted : October 22, 2008 5:12 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for the advice.
Posted : October 22, 2008 5:44 pm
