relocating to paradise ?

Hello Nuggetizer,

From what I have heard...there once was some recycling on St. Thomas, but it became too expensive to ship off island. So now we have a huge dump and no recycling. I personally would love to see some type of recycling going on here. Other than working on cars, I don't know of any metal working or industries you are talking about. As far as sales, there are lots of retail jobs here in the tourist industry, but I don't think that it pays that much. Most easy jobs to get are in the service industry - waitressing, bartending, etc.

Have you been to the islands? What island are you considering? I suggest a PMV (pre move visit) where you are not vacationing, but rather seeing how it is to live here. Look for jobs, home, vehicle, etc. and seeing what it would cost for you to live here. Vacationing and living on the islands are like night and day. I moved here over two months ago and nothing has been like it was when we were on vacation, well...except for the rum drinks. They are great on vacation and when at home! 😉

Well, I wish you luck, maybe some one else has an idea on your industries. You could always start your own business if you could find an economical way to ship metal on or off island.

Teresa

Hello,

Perhaps you can shift area a bit... management... mechanic...maritime - maybe look into autodealership management positions, boat sales/management. If you are a good fix-it person you might look into hotel/resort maintaince work. The sales field varies in terms of pay (perhaps 25K to 60K) depending on the store. If you get into a good store with high sales on a commission you can do well. Lots of jewerly stores downtown; high season would be the time to move to find work in the stores. Do keep in mind your month to month would vary so you have to save $ made during season to carry you through off season.

You might order the Settlers Handbook (shown above) to familiarize yourselves with the islands; its a relocation guide for the Virgin Islands.

--Islander

Nuggetizer:

I will repeat what's already been said here and advise you to get a job in a tourism-related industry: sales, restaurants, etc. You don't have to stay in it forever; once you're established in the VI, you can look for something else that might be a better fit.

I strong recommend a pre-move visit. While you're in the VI, scout around to get an idea of the job and housing offerings. If you're in STJ, the best place to go would be the bulletin board in Connections. That will give you a good indication of what jobs and dwellings exist.

Good luck!

-Celeste

Thanks Teresa. I've been to STC years ago, and I've traveled throughout the Caribbean. The reason we're looking at USVI is US. We're planning on coming to the Islands sometime in the near future to look around and do a fact finding mission. I'm very adaptable as far as work experience. I can do just about anything trade wise. I'm a journeyman level industrial mechanic, I weld and fabricate, do electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, etc,etc. I think taking care of facilities such as resorts, hotels, power plants, ship repair, boat repair, etc. is my line. I can also do handyman work. We're fed up with suburbia, we live in Virginia Beach, the traffic is awful, and we're just ready for a big change. Thank you so much for your information. Randy (nuggetizer)

Thanks Islander. I'm very adaptable, have have numerous trade experience. I'm a journey industrial mechanic by trade, I've been plant manager for a recycling metal shredding operation for 11 years in which I wear all the hats, I weld and fabricate, have carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, etc. I will take your advise and order the handbook. My wife and I decided that we need a major change from suburbia and rush hour. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Regards, Randy (nuggetizer)

Thank you for your advise and for taking the time to reply.

If you can repair boats, diesel engines, compressors, etc. or do varnish work you can find steady employment with the marine trade here.
Pamela.

There is lots to love about the VI (my husband and I moved here 4 years ago and never want to leave), but do be aware that at least in St. Thomas we do have some extremely frustrating traffic problems!

I have been trying to get info on the work force their and I just joined. I am a retired Airforce master sergent with 23 years as a aircraft maintenance person or (crew chief), I'm also currently working as a 100ton dive boat captain in the gulf of mexico. I also went to school for 18 months for airconditioning and heating tech. I also just went to school for and have a certificate for ship security officers. I also scuba dive. I would like to relocate to vi, but I need to know what the work force is like. please help

Thank You
Terry

Thanks Pamela,
I do have experience with boat repair. Fiberglass work, teak, spruce etc. I used to work at a marina when I'd get laid off from the shipyard. I did compressors for a living for a couple years, I've operated a travel lift before, I weld and fabricate and I've pretty much done it all. I'm a bit rusty but I guess it's like riding a bike. Thanks for the info. Randy (Nuggetizer)