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Hello All,
Just had a few questions about relocating to STT. I have been reading this board for a long while and many locals seem extremely willing to help. So maybe you can help me. I have been through most parts of the USVI on sailing trips and have been to STT a couple times. STT would be my first choice for relocation.
I am a single 23 year old college student and my main concern is finding employment. That seems to be a major concern for most people. I own an Interior Painting and Faux Finishing business in Kansas City, MO. I really can not find that much info on this industry anywhere. I was not sure if jobs for skilled trade/construction were limited here, or maybe not well publicized.
I am guessing it would be very hard to start my own painting business since I have no contacts or proven reputation. Are these jobs around or abundant at all? What would be a good way to go about making contact with potential employers? I’m sure it would be hard to get hired “off island” but if I had some connections before I arrived it might make it easier I would imagine.
I don’t want to get off on a rant about myself but I will list some areas of which I have experience in. Just to give you a better idea of my situation and any potential I might have in STT…..
-Painting (All types)
-Apt & Condo maintenance (Minor Drywall, Tile Setting, basic tenant flipping)
-Landscaping (although I am not exactly familiar with the indigenous plants there)
-Restaurant (serving, bar backing and cooking but definitely not my first choice)
-Customer service
-Sales
Sorry, I don’t intend this to look like a resume
Hard work, reliability and long hours are not a big deal for me. I really loved STT and all the VI and would like to make it my home for a while. All the people I met were very polite (except the customs people at the ferry, but I would not want that job either).
So thanks in advance, at least for reading this if you did. Any advice or knowledge would be greatly valued and soaked up like a sponge.
Cheers,
Devin
Posted : June 13, 2007 9:18 am
No Devine, given your skills, it's not hard to get hired from off-island, it's probably impossible. You would have to take a leap of faith and move down. When you get here start looking immediately for a place to live and a job - ANY JOB. Once you are working and making contacts, you can look for the job you really want.
If you have some savings and want to give it a try, come on down!
Posted : June 13, 2007 9:49 am
I can't help you much, Justus - but if you make a side trip to STX, look up danieljude from this board. He knows everything there is to know about the indigenous plants and has a nursery...I'm sure he would be more than willing to help you.
Since you have knowledge of painting, drywall, etc., maybe look into some of the real estate property management firms? Again, you will probably have to be on island, but I would think between that and the hotels you might be able to string together some stuff. You may have to string together a bunch of stuff until it all clicks for you. Linda's right - take any job and spend your off hours developing contacts. It may take a while, but hopefully will pay off in the long run with persistence and hard work.
Good luck!
Posted : June 13, 2007 9:54 am
I agree with most or all of what has been said. In Christiansted, there is a temp agency that generally pays 11-15 per hour if you have basic computer and organizational skills. Often, these jobs lead to a job offer if you are any good. You might try committing to a few months, and seeing how your skills work at the temp agency.
I am also glad you are not restricted by whatever degree or expertise you are working on. Too many people come stating "I do this" and do not leave the doors open to any other possibility. With your skills, go to the condo associations, the realtors that do apartment rentals and oversight, but be prepared to mix drinks at a bar instead. The people who have not 'made it' here are most often the folks that will not accept any job 'lesser' than the job that they consider their profession. Several folks have come through my doors and just as a tip, when they are complaining of there being no jobs in their field, I suggest that there are no jobs now, but there probably will be, but in the meantime, you need to get your butt out there and work.
Those that did are generally still here. Those that didn't returned home without any money. I hope this is helpful to you. Best wishes on your decision, either way, and if you want to be here, you can make it work if you are willing.
Best regards,
Dan
Posted : June 13, 2007 1:45 pm
Be prepared to work HARD.
Posted : June 13, 2007 9:51 pm
