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Dreamin'. My husband and I love tropical weather & snorkeling. For years, we have wanted to live somewhere where we're never cold, can carry the snorkel gear in the trunk, & can stop at beaches to snorkel when we feel like it (not have to rent a boat to get to a reef).
Lots of you sound young. We are at that in-between stage where we could be paralyzed by fear of the future or could cast it to the wind, be somewhat reasonably prepared, & make the move to live where we can be happy with the environment. If we wait till we're totally financially secure, we'll never go. We are in our early 50's & don't want to wait till it's too late for us to still be healthy enough to snorkel our hearts out.
We're not afraid of change. Last year we made a major move from a large city in NC to a small coastal town. We reinvented our lives. My husband now has a job in a lower income bracket, but he is happy with his work. This, however, requires that I continue to teach--love the teaching part & the school I'm in; but I'm also head of the Exceptional Children's dept., in charge of all the paperwork, which makes closing on a house look like child's play. Detest that part. The whole move, from David stumbling across this town, to me having a job, to us selling & buying a house, happened in one month. David was working a month later.
We have a fixer-upper here, which should make us a profit, esp. in this town, so we'll be able to move someday. After last winter, we looked at each other & decided we have not moved far enough south. The only reason we stayed in NC instead of seriously looking at the USVI is my pension. I have to work about another 3 years here to get reduced pension (I lost 5 years moving here from OH in the '80s).
A few questions for the teachers out there:
Here you can retire after 5 years of service at age 60 with reduced benefits OR after 5 years of service at age 65 with full benefits. Is there such an option in the USVI school system?
What is the job market like for teachers? Where can I find a listing of openings for teachers & educational technology facilitators? I served as a technology facilitator for two years in a school, was a Technology Leader in one of the top districts in North Carolina, did staff development training in educational technology for faculty members in two districts, was the network administrator for a school of 900 users & 130 computers, did troubleshooting & equipment & software installation, etc. I also have some experience with assistive technology.
I'm certified in special education (K-12 learning disabled & educable mentally handicapped) & intermediate language arts. I have worked at the elementary and middle school levels teaching all subjects, as well as in a head injury rehab center for adolescents & adults, and a private school for learning disabled students. I also enjoy writing.
My husband does CAD drafting, but has also done computer equipment & software training & support for small & large contractors, computer engraving & vinyl lettering, equipment repair & installation--you name it. He designed the graphics for computer engraving in Braille. He was also the writer & editor of a weekly worldwide newsletter on production in the international oil industry.
We're intelligent people with varied experiences & skills, but not a lot of money. I guess we'll have to wait those 3 years (unless I could get a teaching job that would give me benefits & some retirement & wouldn't require me to work till I'm 80). At that point we can move with some pension & continue to work when we get there. I don't think we'll mind working so much when we're in a place with a great climate where we don't have to spend a gob of money on a trip when we want to go snorkeling. 😉 We don't want a lot--simple living is fine--don't need a big house, a boat, etc., just food on the table & money for necessities.
Meanwhile, we're looking ahead, whether sooner or later is in God's hands. Seems a shame to have to wait so long to live where you want to live.
Anyway, we'll be in STT from June 12-19. Suffice it to say we'll be living in the water, lookin' at the fishies & all. I wish one of your get-togethers was taking place while we're there! It would be great to meet some working people who had the guts to move or who were already settled there. Anyplace we should be sure to snorkel--besides Coki Beach & STJ?
We think we may look at moving to STX. We visited there numerous times, & we're guessing the cost-of-living might be lower??? But is that offset by a lack of job opportunities? What are the pros & cons of the islands? We'd want to buy a small house or condo (not fancy). We have 2 dawgs--one large & one medium. Leaving them behind is not an option, but it seemed when I looked for places to live a year ago, dogs were not allowed in condos, & there were few other properties for sale.
Where would we find better medical facilities? We're fine now, but there's a history of cancer in my family. Wouldn't want to have to be flying somewhere every week or something if one of us got sick.
Being practical stinks.
Don't know if anyone will read this or respond, but it was cathartic for me to write it. I just know I won't want to get on the plane when it's time to come home. The only thing I'd miss here is my adult children, but one aspires to live in STX & the other will need to live near water, due to her boyfriend's career, so they may end up near us after all.
Thanks for listenin', y'all.
Candace
Posted : May 30, 2004 4:43 pm
Hello Candace,
Welcome to the Board. You found the right place to took with other perspective movers and residents.
I don't know the retirement policies for the Education System here but would recommed you start your research with the following web sites:
http://www.teachislands.vi/vacancies.htm
http://vimovingcenter.com/schools/
for list of schools, private and public by island.
The job market for teachers is good. There is a high turn over so openings are usual. Check the links I gave above for openings. And also visit the private schools to keep options open.
You might also look the university web site for possiable network admin., technology openings; www.uvi.edu
Your husband might look in the yellow pages for Architects, Engineers, Contracting businesses for possible employment.
I would suggest getting the Settlers Handbook and reading it. Staying tuned to this board, reading what others ask about and asking any questions you think of. And on your trip down in June checking things out; areas you might like, employment, the area in general, the people, churches, stores, ect.
Snorkeling besides Coki; Sapphire and Secret Harbor are good also. You might do a day sail also.
The cost of living on St. Croix is a bit lower... gas prices are lower, and rental/real estate is a bit lower, water is lower. Electricity, Telephone, Cable and Internet will be the same. You can take a look at other cost in the cost of living section of this web site. Yes Job opportunities might be a bit more difficult, but mostly in the tourist industry area... as far as teaching it would be the same. Take a look at the real estate write up on this web site, it was just updated has some insight that might help and then check out the MLS so you can look at properties that are on the market now. You can bring your pets but yes it will be more difficult finding a place, but not impossiable.
There are hospitals on both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Hope that helps!!
--Islander
Posted : May 31, 2004 3:54 pm
Candace: You all sound just like the kind of folks that the VI needs! While there are a lot of younger posters on this board, my feeling is that their goals are different from those who are more mature. You also sound like you have had a variety of experiences, which makes finding work easier.
Re: teaching. There is always a shortage of Special Ed specialists in the territory. I think your expertise would be valued. I would be careful of moving here with the hopes of retiring from a government job. The retirement system has serious problems, so if you could get a pension from somewhere else, I would think you would be ahead of the game. As Islander said, there are excellent private schools, too.
Re: hospitals. There are hospitals on St Croix and St Thomas. On St Thomas, the RLS Hospital is building a cancer center. Currently, Virgin Islanders have to go to Puerto Rico for radiation therapy, and the new place will allow people to stay on island. You might want to go over and check out the construction, etc. I would look carefully at the medical specialties available and unavailable. For example, St Croix currently has a cardiologist, but St Thomas doesn't- however, by the time you move that could completely change. Medical care is much improved from 5 years ago, but still has a way to go. If you are expecting "big city" medicine, you may be disappointed.
Caveat Emptor! Please go back and read the archives here. Also, spend some time reading the on line newspapers- The Source, www.onepaper.com and the Daily News, www.virginislandsdailynews. If you have the luxury of waiting 3 years, you could come for a few visits, make contacts, etc. US Air has pretty regular flights and frequent fare sales. Vacationing and living here are two different propositions. Being practical does not stink!
And about snorkeling and water- make sure you stop at Coral World for an overview of what you might see in all sorts of underwater environments. On St Thomas, besides the places already mentioned, try John Brewer's Bay and Hull Bay. On St John: Leinster and the Lameshurs.
Posted : May 31, 2004 5:00 pm
Topic starter
Islander and EastEnder:
Thanks so much for taking the time to give us such great feedback. Your information will be very valuable. I appreciate the positive response to us "old codgers", too. I figure we're mature enough at this age to not make a rash move that we'll be sorry for later.
I really am grateful for your help! And for the suggestions for places to go while we visit.
You are generous people!
Candace
Posted : May 31, 2004 8:22 pm
I used to live on Guam and thinking of checking out the USVI. I too am older and want to enjoy life after raising three kids. I would also like to teach but I am new to the field. Currently going to college to get my credential. I will be ready to make the move next year. I love island live, the people, the smallness, water, food, weather, etc. I am not worried about retirement as I have none anyhow. So whatever they offer in the USVI is what I must accept.
Posted : June 1, 2004 12:46 am
Hi Candace:
Here's hello from someone with the same desire to live in "paradise". I too am from a large town in NC..Charlotte..I was in STT in March and got a job offer to sell jewelry there starting in April. At the last miniute I backed out and decided to wait until high season October to start..when sales are much better.Plan to return at that time.
I am a former teacher/coach, HR Manager and in my mid-sixties and starting a new career..so this may be an option for your husband. I applied for a teaching job there but was told that they retire them at 60..didnt follow-up to see if that was true..assume it was true statement.but that was with the publlic schools NOT the private.No you are not too old..but yes its's mostly younger crowds..but older groups there..got to look..lol.especially in STJ..BUT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO LIVE THERE..
With your background..you should not have a problem. But your husband would do ok if he was up to changing careers. but he seems to be multi-talented so if flexible he will do well .anyway..just wanted to say GOOD LUCK to you and hubby. Hold to your dream..and as you said..IF ITS GODS WILL IT WILL HAPPEN..
MAX
Posted : June 1, 2004 10:15 pm
Topic starter
Been out of circulation with work & a death in the family.
Thanks for your reply. I wish you the best in your move. I assume made it to your teaching pension in NC. I'll die if I try to teach till I'm eligible for full retirement, but maybe I could last 3 years. Wish I hadn't lost those 5 from Ohio.
We were talking about it over dinner tonight--one week from tomorrow & we'll be in the air--then in the water. We, too, believe that it will happen if & when God wills it. This whole move HERE happened in a manner that was too coincidental too be a string of coincidences. We're here for a reason--and when/if we go, it will be for a reason. I've got to let go & just enjoy the trip, not worry about how hard it will be to leave.
But, boy, will it be hard to leave!! 😉
I hope things go well for you--you've got a lot to look forward to.
Candace
Posted : June 5, 2004 4:10 am
