Possible move, flying by the seat of my pants. Advice welcomed! 🙂

There's always Duffy's Love Shack which is pretty popular even tho it sits in the parking lot of Red Hook Plaza. There really are tons of bars and restaurants on STT.

I am onboard with @ stjohnJulie - plenty of places to get a job with your described personality on STT. Absolute reliability, unquestioned honesty and dedication to improving the business while getting along with the other staff and keeping the regulars coming back while attracting new patrons is a solid checklist for keeping any job here.
Not getting caught up in the "party Life" is often the biggest problem new young staff faces here - [in my experienced opinion] - coming here for just a 'busy season' will turn out to be a short expensive adventure though. seeing how it goes is a realistic viewpoint - island life and bartending here certainly isn't for everyone and will have some frustrating moments or even days and weeks.
Many of us have moved here - done the newbie dance - formed good friendships, found new interests and created a comfortable niche of job, housing,community involvement and security that has kept us here for decades.
Go for it if you seriously want a change and have the perseverance to succeed and some modest $$ reserves.
If the sandal fits you must commit

Ignore the off topic comments - some people are just bored it seems.

(tu)

If the sandal fits you must commit!!!! OMG that is too funny!!!!

Operagirly,

I understand the idea of having island fever. It seems like a dream come true. I'm currently in the running for a position on STX, myself. At this point, though, I'm not fully certain I'm going to take it. My issues:

- 25% pay cut and a cost of living increase. As I understand it, this is the usual case when relocating to the islands. And, given that you have your heart set on tending bar, I would add that you may want to consider other service positions, just in case. If your goal is to get to USVI BAMN (by any means necessary), then consider taking other server positions, or try applying to the resorts in addition to the standard "off the beaten path" bars.

- Sahara Dust: apparently, it's a bigger issue than I thought. I was lucky enough to interview last week; apparently, this isn't a huge issue in April. As I understand it, though, this "dust" idea can wreck havoc if you have allergies or (in my case) asthma or other lung/breathing conditions, not to mention clothes and computers/electronics.

But, I do understand where you're coming from, because I'm right there with you, including the single, no children concepts (I do have some debt, though). I do want to go, but I'm not exactly certain that I could withstand those two, among other, issues. My "poker instincts" tell me that if there is even a hint of doubt, fold and fight another day.

I guess I could go on more cruises...

Then again, the biggest pots I've won have occurred when I said (to pph from my sister): "Put it in a bucket...fk it!"

I would advise you to not "fly by the seat of your pants". You are contemplating a move to an island in the Atlantic, and buying a ticket home isn't the only cost. When I told people I was interviewing on STX, everyone's eyes lit up. And that's well and good, until hurricane season, and that's only the start of the list. Most people on the board advise a "pre-move visit" (PMV), to get a better idea of how life is like living on the island. At the very least, I would strongly suggest a week's vacation before deciding if the environment is something you really want to do. A week in 90%+ humidity, at that, if you find a way to go on the trip between May and July.

I'm lucky in that I got a free trip for my interview process. I'm certain I would not consider doing what you consider doing: up and leave everything I've ever known over a stylized dream of what life on an island at the Equator is like. As you've said, that's something you can stomach. All I can do is urge you in the strongest possible terms, from a person that is in the "move to the islands" line right next to, "Slow your roll, doll. The island isn't moving anywhere. Take some time, take a breath, and think about it all." I was on STX for three days and saw two bubbly blondes in bikini tops serving beer to the boys in the one bar I visited...you won't be the only one there.

All the best in all you do while staying true.

If you're worried about island fever - STX isn't a good choice. Also a lot less jobs here. Back to island fever: In STT you have so many other islands to visit and while even if just for the day, you feel like you're somewhere else. Even STJ from STT. I never had island fever on STT, but did bounce around the islands over there. In fact I loathed going back to the states and joked that Ihad reverse island fever lol. Here in STX you are for sure locked into it. I guess with the ferry to STT of its running might help but still $90rt vs $12 for a STJ ferry. Heard it hit a rock is down already so I don't know if I'd rely on that ferry sticking around, IMO.

Also remember flights from STX are usually much higher, especially FL where you can fly spirit (yes a crappy airlines but cheap) for $200 RT from STT and it's always like $375-400 from STX - we don't have spirit here. What I do now from Stx is always go to PR first and get cheap tickets out of there separately. I'm not saying it can't be done ( I got a great deal on STX to JFK for our Europe trip for like $130 OW) but it's annoying to be able to book so cheap from STT pretty much anytime. I also don't think young people realize just how slow it is here and honestly I'm not sure that many like it. If you're retired and just wanna lime around then STX is perfect for that. If you want a nightlife at all... heck just places that stay open past 9pm - STT is for you. I've lost more friends to the states in STX in one year than STT in almost three. All young though.

As far as bar work, just don't get offfended if they treat you like you're a temp. Odds are that you might be but if you stay a couple years the attitude totally shifts and you'll start making more long term friends.

AandA2Vi should qualify her statements by admitting that she hates St. Croix with a passion, can rarely say anything good about it and can't wait for husband to be transferred back to STT.

(tu)

AandA2Vi should qualify her statements by admitting that she hates St. Croix with a passion, can rarely say anything good about it and can't wait for husband to be transferred back to STT.

And you shouldn't put words into my mouth. I've never said I HATE stx. I've said I much prefer STT for the reasons mentioned above.

And you shouldn't put words into my mouth. I've never said I HATE stx. I've said I much prefer STT for the reasons mentioned above.

(tu)
There are many nice things I've heard Adrienne say about STX.
She just simply prefers STT.

And you shouldn't put words into my mouth. I've never said I HATE stx. I've said I much prefer STT for the reasons mentioned above.

Nor did I say that you said that you hate STX.

I said that you should "admit" that you hate STX.

So new question......if you were going to recommend a fun bar/local watering hole that embraces weird, silly, bubbly blonde bartenders (say that 5 times fast!) with some sarcasm and somewhat salty language (all in good fun of course, I can hang with the best of them), where would you recommend?

Trust me on this: just get down here and have fun. You'll be fine. How can I be so sure? Because you're young, have no debt and have a decent amount of savings.

But, the real reason? Because you're a 25-year-old fun, bubbly blonde. You will be treated like a queen here. Guys will be tripping over themselves to get to know you. The islands have a lot more guys than gals, so the ratio is in your favor. I've seen it many, many times: fun, new girls always find restaurant/service jobs and friends here quickly and easily.

Just do it.

And you shouldn't put words into my mouth. I've never said I HATE stx. I've said I much prefer STT for the reasons mentioned above.

Nor did I say that you said that you hate STX.

I said that you should "admit" that you hate STX.

Hahahaha! What are you, my mother? Hahahaha!! Halairous! I don't HATE Stx and have never once said that although she threw everything she could at me the first year. It's gotten much better this year - with the exception of our car being stolen from the mechanic of course. I love a lot of things about it... I just love more things about STT. I think it's funny that I rarely see Thominans on here get all pissy but say one thing negative about STX and god forbid. Both island have their issues. I have a preference. I don't see why that offends you so much but maybe time to reflect on why. We don't have multiple island close enough to ferry/island hop. We don't have many places that stay open past 9. Flights are typically cheaper from STT and it's a younger crowd. Those aren't opinions. They are facts.

Hey now, I used to be the one bagging on A&A for not appreciating STX more. 😉

I think she is liking it more now though and has done well at balancing negatives with positives on the board here. She also takes awesome pictures so if you want to see more of STX and the underwater world, be sure to check out her website.

A&A, when you do move back to the rock, I think you will have some nostalgia for STX. Its ok, you don't have to tell anyone if you do 😉

She is spot on when it comes to nightlife though. STT has a lot more going on at night.

I will say that a good friend of mine who is a musician on STT and a Thomian through and through came over to STX for the St. Patty's day party and again for coconut cup to play music. He was really impressed with the way Christiansted is setup with the boardwalk, lots of cool little shops and restaurants and how it is much more welcoming to locals and tourists both during the day and at night. This is a stark contrast to Charlotte Amalie where all the stores close at night and it is mainly geared towards cruise ships. Of course there is Red Hook but it doesn't have the charm C'sted does. I think it used to have more charm when it was a bit more seedy with places like Poor Man's bar. Plus there wernt like 30 restaurants in one small little area. I think Red Hook has been over done.

I feel STX and especially C'sted is in the beginning of a great revival. New shops and restaurants opening, roads being paved, people out at night having fun. We went to Balter and Bes last Friday for our anniversary and had the most delightful time. Food was excellent at Balter and we were tickled pink at what Frank has done at Bes. Think old cigar bar feel with awesome specialty cocktails and a intimate yet upbeat and exciting vibe. I hope this place sticks around, what a great idea.

So to me Christiansted will only get better and the nightlife as well. Frederiksted has tons of potential as well so if C'sted leads the way, F'sted will follow close behind IMO.

She is spot on when it comes to nightlife though. STT has a lot more going on at night.

Yes...we read about the shootings every night in the paper!

Good Grief!
Like there's never any shootings in STX.
Plus you know the majority of shootings on both islands are gang related retaliations.
Get over your inferiority complex about STX.

Hey now, I used to be the one bagging on A&A for not appreciating STX more. 😉

I think she is liking it more now though and has done well at balancing negatives with positives on the board here. She also takes awesome pictures so if you want to see more of STX and the underwater world, be sure to check out her website.

A&A, when you do move back to the rock, I think you will have some nostalgia for STX. Its ok, you don't have to tell anyone if you do 😉

She is spot on when it comes to nightlife though. STT has a lot more going on at night.

I will say that a good friend of mine who is a musician on STT and a Thomian through and through came over to STX for the St. Patty's day party and again for coconut cup to play music. He was really impressed with the way Christiansted is setup with the boardwalk, lots of cool little shops and restaurants and how it is much more welcoming to locals and tourists both during the day and at night. This is a stark contrast to Charlotte Amalie where all the stores close at night and it is mainly geared towards cruise ships. Of course there is Red Hook but it doesn't have the charm C'sted does. I think it used to have more charm when it was a bit more seedy with places like Poor Man's bar. Plus there wernt like 30 restaurants in one small little area. I think Red Hook has been over done.

I feel STX and especially C'sted is in the beginning of a great revival. New shops and restaurants opening, roads being paved, people out at night having fun. We went to Balter and Bes last Friday for our anniversary and had the most delightful time. Food was excellent at Balter and we were tickled pink at what Frank has done at Bes. Think old cigar bar feel with awesome specialty cocktails and a intimate yet upbeat and exciting vibe. I hope this place sticks around, what a great idea.

So to me Christiansted will only get better and the nightlife as well. Frederiksted has tons of potential as well so if C'sted leads the way, F'sted will follow close behind IMO.

True story! If/when we return to STT - I will for sure miss aspects of STX but we did just signed on for another year here. TRUST me if I HATED it with a passion I would leave. PERIOD. Too many lives lost around me, life is short and I promised that I would always do whatever made me happy. STT will always feel like "home" to me though, no matter where we move. It is just electric... impossible to describe. Coming up over drakes seat (which I passed like 4 times a day) takes my breath away every time and Hull Bay... well there is NO WHERE in the world like the slider shack with Frank behind the bar making me an O-bomb just how I like it - getting old school knowledge from JR hanging by his truck before taking people out on a night snorkel grabbing tarpon and petting squids all while the tourists are in awe over the glittery bioluminescence. The diving in STX is much better overall - the pier and the wall never disappoint! I am also obsessed with local meats and produce in STX which is SO nice to have, considering stateside meats make me pretty sick. We finally (2 years in) have a great group of friends who we hang with regularly and are all divers, a few have bought homes lol so at least they'll be around for a while! Hopefully anyway. Had a huge party for my Fiancés birthday last weekend, it was a blast.

I do travel a lot but I am always SO glad to land on the runway and smell that salt air!

ps. I LOOOOOOOOVE me some Gazi! I remember he was met first musician I heard at Greengos after moved to STT, the best vibes! Did you see the coconut cup pics? Some of him... http://www.photosvi.com/Coconut-Cup-2017/ Sadly my long 600mm lens has mold so those race pics aren't as sharp or nice as I'd like. Lesson learned but I did buy a big safe looking de-humidifer thing thats for electronics. Seems to work great and I set the humidity point I want. Damn that mold! That lens wasn't cheap but I am going to use it as an excuse to upgrade. 😉

That's so nice! I'm glad to see you back peddling and being a little more positive on STX now that you've been called out on your negativity.

Keep up the good work!

That's so nice! I'm glad to see you back peddling and being a little more positive on STX now that you've been called out on your negativity.

Keep up the good work!

Look who's talking about negativity...
Give it a rest.

What a child Carib is. Sheesh! *-)
People like that usually have some other beef or personal problems.... it's ok carib if you need someone to put down to make yourself feel better, i'll be your huckleberry - cause I roll that S right off. Enjoy being crotchety. 😀

And here I was giving you some positive reinforcement!

Anybody have any more helpful posts for the young lady who asked for help on this thread??