Real Estate Appraiser/ Funny Gourmet Cook

Hello Fifi,

I'd say with your background in real estate, sailor, cook, hairdresser you both could find work here. It can be tough to find work while off island in some fields. You may have better chances with the occupations you are both in but do keep in mind the standoffish-ness that employers have toward potential employers who aren't on island. You mention both USVI and BVI: I'll note one is American and one is British so your nationality affects ability to work. Have you visited the islands? Do you have a preference for one over the next? You might want to order the Settlers Handbook for the USVI - it is shown at the very top of this page. Click on the picture of the book for more details. It’s about moving/living in the USVI. Pull up the yellow pages at http://www.viphonebook.com and look up real estate agents, hairdressers. Keep an eye out for cook positions. Sailor - what did he have in mind?

--Islander

Thanks for the response, Islander.
My husband and I have been sailing the BVI and the USVI for about 5 years, now. We made a decision to relocate to the islands when our kids grew up and moved out. Well, that time has come.
We are coming for a month beginning June 15th. We are ready to move and have thought of many employment possibilities. Ideally, we would love to charter. I know how difficult it can be to get our foot in the door. We would be happy working a land job, and spending a lot of time making connections and meeting folks that could help us move towards our dream. I personally prefer the BVI, but I understand about the citizenship requirements. The book you recommended sounds great, and I will order it this evening.
I was also considering an import business, dealing in t-shirts and novelty items to be customized and sold to local bars and businesses.
My husband is a MAI degreed real estate appraiser, and would maybe be interested in work with a local appraising company.
I can cook, cut hair, bartend, and tell a hell of a joke. LOL! We would be excellent housesitters, or work in boat maintenance.
We are both extremely personable....and I guess the best thing to do would be to hit the docks and introduce ourselves.
Thanks for your time, and maybe we'll be fortunate enough to meet you over a rum and coke, at Ivan's one day!

Hello Fifi,

It sounds like you know where you want to be and have the background to get there. Perhaps Pamela can give you some suggestions on the charter business. She is a board user and manager of the VI Charter League. We don't have any comedy clubs...you could try your skill there! 🙂 Research the other t-shirt/souvenir wholesalers, there a few, so you can see whats here already; its a good idea. Keep us posted on your move. All the best with you trip in June.

--Islander

I'm hoping that Pamela reads this. We plan on buying our boat in Florida or in the Virgins. Until we decide upon which one is best for us, how common is it to captain and crew on someone elses' boat? I know that the charter companies usually offer a captain and cook, so I was wondering how hard it would be to work for a charter company, or several? Please forgive me if my question seems silly......
We would like to introduce ourselves while there this summer. We are chartering out of Road Town.
Another thought that I had was to introduce ourselves to a company such as VI Sailing. They seem to know most of the charter companies, and maybe they would be a could be a resource for information.
Pamela, any advice that you have would be greatly appreciated.

Years ago (early 80's when we were all nearly starving in the appraisal business)I responded to an appraiser job opening from a firm in south Fla. The deal was a one year contract for the USVI followed by relo to south fla. A year might get you established in the USVI to go independent.

Wish I could remember their name. Always wondered where I would have been if I would have followed through.

john-SRA

Fifi,
Sorry to chime in so late here but with the boatshow coming up time is at a premium. Very common to have hired crew on boats - more so in the BVI than USVI. Send your resume on to me via email and I will forward for you. Charterport BVI (check them on the web) hire crew for the boats they manage and could possibly help you out.

Tom and Gail at VI Sailing are very knowledgable however they are brokers and are not actively involved in hiring, etc.

Please email me if you have any specific questions. I assume you have at least at 50 ton USCG license with STCW endorsement. The STCW is very important down here.

Pamela