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Topic starter
I'll have the means to move in September of 2016, preferably STT for the Job environment and I have a friend there. I'm going to try to save 6-8k and arrive with no debt. I have a degree and have hospitality experience as well as IT consulting, but I'm wondering what thoughts or tips you may have for me.
I'm male, 26, strong work ethic, and looking for this move to potentially be permanent.
Posted : December 1, 2015 1:56 pm
You're going to need a car to get around on STT.
I'd suggest you bring more money as between buying a car and paying for a rental apt. requiring the first, last and security deposit,
and paying deposits on required utilities, etc., you'll need more money. It goes quickly and its expensive to live here, especially if you come in Sept., which is our slow season, without a job. It may take awhile to find work so good to have enuff to cushion you until you do.
Do some more research. Good luck.
Posted : December 1, 2015 2:15 pm
If you've not already done so, read ALL the invaluable information in the pull-down menus top of this page, from left to right. Happy planning!
PS: Don't even think of the move being "permanent" - that's a rarity!
Posted : December 1, 2015 2:36 pm
Topic starter
What's the main differentiator between permanent moves and temporary ones?
Posted : December 1, 2015 4:15 pm
Most people leave.
Very few stay, forever, due to many different factors.
Island life is not for everyone..
Posted : December 1, 2015 4:18 pm
Topic starter
Well I've got nothing to lose, and in my mind everything to gain. Still reading up on the work environment but I work hard but have a laid back and humorous attitude, and don't care much about bringing a stateside "this is how we do it" mentality.
Posted : December 1, 2015 7:06 pm
What's the main differentiator between permanent moves and temporary ones?
personal temperament.
life is very different here & some people can't take minor discomforts / annoyances very well.
Posted : December 1, 2015 7:29 pm
akottens: Welcome to the board!
When I moved here 20+ years ago, I planned to stay one year and then to re-evaluate. This was helpful in several ways. I stored all my belongings and found a furnished place. I found work right away, although I had absolutely no background or experience in the field. If days were tough, I'd think, "I can do this for a year." I stored my stuff for 5 years before I decided I might stay awhile. I spent the first few years acting like a cultural anthropologist, studying the mores of an alien civilization.
Many people leave in 6 months to a year, and THAT'S OK!! As you said,you've got nothing to lose. Just come down, see what you think.
Just as an aside, have you been here before?
Posted : December 1, 2015 7:52 pm
Topic starter
I have yet to! I'm thinking my tax return will treat my very well and considering a short weekend during the low season. My friend who moved years ago with a similar temperament still raves about it, and I've always wanted to live in the Caribbean, might as well be a U.S. Territory.
Posted : December 1, 2015 8:39 pm
If you already have a friend here, that'll be a big help but it's easy to meet people.
Posted : December 1, 2015 8:43 pm
Topic starter
Is racism pretty prevalent down there?
Posted : December 3, 2015 1:29 pm
It is what you make of it.
If you're white, you're in the majority.
If you have an attitude, you'll have problems.
If not, you won't.
Posted : December 3, 2015 1:33 pm
If you're white you're in the minority not the majority!
A current thread is devoted to the subject:
Posted : December 3, 2015 1:59 pm
I moved here with the forever plan. sold the house and moved it all down. 4 years and counting so far so good. sure the island tried to beat me a few times but stubbornness and love kept me here. Gonna have to take me kicking and creaming out of here...STX that is.
Posted : December 3, 2015 4:20 pm
Gonna have to take me kicking and creaming out of here...STX that is.
Uhhmmmmm.... ditto ( i think?)
Posted : December 3, 2015 5:16 pm
If you're white you're in the minority not the majority!
A current thread is devoted to the subject:
Yeah... that's what I meant. Damn spellchecker!
(Which almost had me posting " Damon spellchecker!" had I not checked!.
Sorta like stxsailor's "creaming out of here" above!
Posted : December 3, 2015 6:01 pm
Sorta like stxsailor's "creaming out of here" above!
I missed that and am now having the most awful lewd visions inbetween laughing and snorting!!!
I don't use spellcheck and am rather glad I don't ...
Posted : December 3, 2015 6:23 pm
6-8 k will be gone pretty quick so just be ready for that. Rent - first last and security - lets average a 1k month place - that'll get u a studio or a one bedroom on STT so you're at 3k. If you can share a room with your friend that's a huge step up. 3k for a island beater car - 1k for all the set up of utilities and that fill the fridge initial stock. You can do it on that but make sure you're working right away so u can keep going as the money runs out. Lots of folks come and run out of money and have to leave. Also make sure you always have a O-Sh1t fund which includes 1k for emergencys and / or a one way open ended plane ticket home.
I moved to STT three years ago and then to STX 6 months ago. I keep traveling all over the world to see if there's somewhere else I'd like to live - just got back from Costa Rica - but no where I've been yet has me thinking about leaving these islands. South Africa is the only contnder but I just don't think I can leave the Caribbean water. I will be moving back to STT as soon as I can. I just prefer it there but fiancé is on two year contract in STX for now. That might hange in next few months though.
Good luck.
Posted : December 3, 2015 11:23 pm
"Also make sure you always have a O-Sh1t fund which includes 1k for emergencys and / or a one way open ended plane ticket home."
I listened to a podcast (Freakonomics maybe?) that said many people don't have $1000-$2000 for emergencies. This is important to everyone. Especially here in the VI.
"I will be moving back to STT as soon as I can. I just prefer it there but fiancé is on two year contract in STX for now. That might hange in next few months though."
Uh oh!! This is what happens a great deal. One person wants to be one place and the other wants to be in another place!! A&A: be careful.:-(
Posted : December 4, 2015 12:22 am
creaming..........damn smell check!
Posted : December 4, 2015 4:34 pm
creaming..........damn smell check!
Those smell checks will do you in every time, particularly when close to the Anguilla dump.
Posted : December 4, 2015 4:56 pm
