relocating

I am thinking of doing the exact same thing-----and was curious if you have talked to anyone else about relocating?

Where would you be moving from?

I'm just curious, but perhaps one of the residents could shed some light on this subject:

Aside from the 'experience factor' in going to the USVI for a little while and then moving back to the mainland, is it really all that reasonable to pick up and move with the expectation that a decent living will be made by just finding a serving job or the like?

I don't mean to be discouraging, I am actually quite interested and it would surely be nice if it were reasonable to expect to be able to do that, because then I should be in excellent shape when I decide to make my move.

The problem, as I see it, is that from what I've read the major tourist times are seasonal. Therefore, the service type jobs would seem to have some seasonality to them as well. Furthermore, it is more expensive to live in the USVI, in general.

I don't know very many people who could pick up and move somewhere else in the continental US, live on savings until they find a serving job, and then be able to flourish. Since the jobs would seem to be more scarce and the money from them to not go as far, wouldn't it be even more unlikely to successfully permanently relocate with such a plan?

Has anyone down there done this and succeeded? I hope so. St. Thomas was beautiful, that is unquestionable. However, I don't think I'd be any better off moving there if I had to work my @ss off just to make ends meet with little hope of actual prosperity and little time to enjoy the beauty and relaxation of 'island-paced' living.

Oh no, now I think I've discouraged myself!

Chris

Karl and Rebecca you have found the right place to do your moving research and ask the questions. Read through the moving guide on this site, the link is at the top of this page, order a Settlers Handbook which covers all the ins and outs from cars, licenses, taxes, electricity, cable.... If you bought have some money saved that could get your started in terms of deposits on apartment, shipping or buying a car, a couple months of living expenses... then sure you could move down and seek out a restaurant job. Best time to come for that would be right before season starts... season starts around late November - December last till about May... good thing about many popular restaurants here is that they are just tourist based, many locals eat out and frequent them so when season is slower there is still a somewhat steady clientel. August - September being the slowest months when some restaurants will close for a couple weeks- vacation time.

As an American you need nothing more in terms of visas or work permits. To work in food service you must have a health card - you get that on island and the specifics can be found in the employment section of the moving guide on this site. So best bet is so read these post, read the guide and the book... start planning your move - best thing is to know what to expect and what you want - do you want to come down for 1 year is this going to be a perminant move... things like that plan it out.

Chris, some people move for the experience of it... if you are young, no attachments, no property then sure its reasonable to save up some money and move to the island and experience things. If you want to make this a perminant move that requires a bit more effort and hard work like you said. You are going to work hard for the things you want anywhere you go, but I understand what you mean whats the point if you will be working 24-7 to make ends meet.

I had quite a few buddies who were waiters and bartenders. A couple did it through college, balancing the two - and did well enough to support themselves and pay for school... some continued after college to work it full time and did well. A couple took up another job so worked night shifts part time as waiters just so they could maintain the job until season where they knew they would do really well and then full time during the day as something else. And yes if you work at a good restaurant that has good clientel you can do pretty good. . Now a decent lifestyle depends entirely on what your lifestyle is??? In general just picking up a serving job isn't going to cut it, you will be working hard.

As for seasonal jobs being seasonal - yes they are... but many workers are seasonal too - some come down just for season and then leave and then come back for next season. And those that are good employees that stay continue to work.... Save when its pouring for when its not.

I see your point, I defintely think it requires a bit more investigation and research if the intention is a long term move.

All the best to all three of you!!

--Islander

Thanks, Islander.

To be young, unattached, and able to pick up and stay for as long as possible!

Well, that's not my position, which is why I ask all of these questions. What you say is encouraging though, for those in the position above, and for those looking for a permanent relocation.

Chris