PMV really necessary?

Yes

Personally, I think a PMV is for people who have never been to the islands or just have had vacations and no real connection to the islands. It is essential for families, no matter what. For an individual that has the means to move and has connections on island, probably not. Although, do make sure you have a plan B in case a month into the move you decide it isn't for you. I know a lot of young singles who kind of did a PMV and then just stayed on. So, it is up to you and your level of confidence about the whole thing.

Teresa

Than again there is the short answer people. 🙂 I was typing while jane was posting. I agree that a PMV is essential most of the time, but for seasonal people who just come to work during high tourist season and don't plan on staying. It isn't so crazy to not do it. I don't know what your plan are so it is hard to give you the best advice. Just keep enough money for a trip back home if you move without a PMV.

Teresa

To qualify my statement...if your friends will take you under their wing at first and you are already savvy about the practical side of living in the VI, then no.
If your visits there have been more vacation-like and less practical, then yes.
The point about a Plan B is a good one.

I am one of those that came for a PMV and never left. I am single, without encumbrances, and planned to stay if I found I loved it, found work and housing while I was here. I was lucky. After almost 2 years I still love it. It wasn't easy - I only had contacts from the board here. I have seen it be a bad fit for people who have this "idea" of what living here is - whether or not they did a PMV.

Remember, not all pmv's are equal. Some people come and don't entrench themselves in real life when they do their "pmv" - they eat out all the time, they stay at a hotel, they don't do the everyday things that you would do if you lived here.

I think personally that if you are looking to come long term - then put yourself in a position to try it out as if you were living here. Whether that means coming with a return ticket you can throw away if it works for you - or coming for a specific pmv. Pretend you are going to work - drive that drive in the hours you would normally if you worked. Shop at the stores at the times you would if you lived here. If you are going to STT - do it when there is a bunch of Cruise Ships in port - so you experience what real life will be like. Those are reality.

Good luck! Anything I can do to help someone see there is more to life......

I'mw ith Linda.. we came on a PMV and never left. And yet, I still recommend a PMV to everyone who is thinking about the island, just because it might help solidify your decision. Still, as I said in an earlier post, the things you think about this island while on vacation, in the first month here, in the first year here, etc are so different, you will be amazed. If you do PMV, make sure to bring a list of things to check out and try to hook up with someone like Daniel Jude (do a search) who allows people to have real PMVs by renting his apartments to PMVers. I don't know if anyone else on the message board does that, but I think it is a great idea, a good way to "live" here, instead of visit.