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Topic starter
Hey guys. I am planning to move to STT in January with two other friends. We are all college grads and are looking for seasonal work for six months. We are just planning on flying down there, staying in a cheap place, and hit the ground running. Any recommendations on places to live and how much we can expect for a furnished 2 or 3 bedroom? Also, will we need a car and do you guys think it is feasible to share one? We do know a couple who lived on the island for several years, but I thought I would ask the advice of all you as well. By the way, how long do you think it will take to find jobs and a place to live? Will it be difficult in January? Thanks a bunch!!
Posted : November 29, 2004 9:29 pm
In my piddly opinion, you should all be able to find housing, jobs, transportation within 3 days of hitting the rock. Does this sound feasible to everyone else?
~Marty
Posted : November 29, 2004 9:42 pm
I think longer then 3 days in january. Depending on the type job you are looking for. Most landlords want a year lease. you will pay more for short term.. A little advice. i would never hire anyone who was only staying for 6 months. you might want to say a few years
Posted : November 29, 2004 11:15 pm
depends what kind of job you're looking for. it could definitely take longer than 3 days... i've been here since august and STILL haven't found a "good" job like i had in the states. if you're waiting tables or bartending maybe you can find a job really quick, i'm not in that line of work. as for housing, i know the rental market is really tight right now, but i think if you come prepared to stay in a hotel for a few days until you find your way around the island and figure out where you want to live, then you'll be fine. just check the daily news and island trader every day. car is easy, just get a rental (can be $200/week or more in the winter) or go right to the dealers and buy a car. the dmv stories i'd heard were much worse than my actual experience there... if you all work in a similar part of the island, carpooling will be no problem. i carpool with my BF and it's working out fine. although when there are car troubles (ours is in the shop and it's awful!!) huge problems can arise with getting around. it'll be harder for you if one of you work on the east end and one of you work in town-- carpooling will be a more delicate schedule to figure out. it'll all work out though with a little patience and big sense of humor. it's expensive to get here and settle in so i'd definitely plan on staying for at least a year to make sure you're not still financially in the hole when you go back to the states. plus most people want year long leases. but then again, the wages are pretty low here, so don't plan on saving too much. it's definitely a place where you "work to live" and enjoy life rather than "live to work" career-wise. it's a wonderful place to live, but be prepared to deal with some frustrations. (as is the case with any new culture-- the USVI is NOT just like the US only on a pretty island. it's a whole different world! 🙂 good luck!
Posted : November 30, 2004 12:08 pm
Molly,
What type of job are you seeking?
~Marty
Posted : November 30, 2004 4:48 pm
Marty, what line of work are you in? I have a finance/accounting background.
Patrick
Posted : November 30, 2004 6:47 pm
Hi Marty,
I saw your job opportunity posting a while back. It's not really what I'm looking for. More looking for legal/finance work with benefits, etc.
thanks though!
Posted : November 30, 2004 7:03 pm
Patrick and Molly,
The ad I posted a while back has been filled, but I think I might be hiring a new admin/accounting person in the next wek or so. $20 an hour OK? Benefits to the right applicant. E-mail me personally, or call my toll-free line at (888) 777-9791
Posted : November 30, 2004 7:50 pm
Marty,
I worked as a accountant for my dad,but I won't be down untill April or so.. so *lol*..Just thought I'd post anyway...
Kandi~
Posted : November 30, 2004 9:43 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for your responses. As for jobs, we are just looking for resort/restaurant or tour work. We all have experience, and we are not looking for any job related to our degree. This is just us wanting to get down to the islands for a while and work in paradise. We might stay for a year, but are thinking more along the lines of six months. I have heard that seasonal work is not too hard to find, but maybe I am off the mark. Any more suggestions would be very helpful!
Posted : November 30, 2004 10:20 pm
Hello John,
You are correct, seasonal work is not too hard to find during season in restaurants, resorts, tours...
For a 2 bedroom apt. figure $850-$1500... price varying depending on location, furnishings, view, old/new... 3 bedroom apartments are tough to find.
Your need for a car will depend greatly on whether you can find work and an apartment in the same area. Generally speaking if you were able to find work and a place in Red Hook/East End area you could make do without a car. If you lived in say Fortuna (west end of the island) and worked in Red Hook (east end) you would need a car.
Good Luck.
--Islander
Posted : December 1, 2004 3:15 am
Does anyone have information on health insurance on STT and STX? If so, maybe a general idea of pricing or who to contact.
Posted : December 1, 2004 7:59 pm
Topic starter
Thanks Islander. Should I go about trying to make contacts before I go or should I my friends and I just get down there and hit the ground running? Where would you recommend to live?
Posted : December 1, 2004 11:22 pm
