To all.. Are you all happy and liking living on STT?

All I can say is that you shouldn't let people "talk you into" OR "talk you out of" doing something that you feel is right for you. Just because Jane Doe and Joe Blow are happy doesn't mean you would be. And just because their parents, Raggedy Ann and Andy hated it doesn't mean you are going to.

Try it....see if you like it. The worst that could happen is they will say "I told ya so"....right?

Alix

Alix's reply is the only advice I too would give.

There was a most recent post giving reasons why a person was leaving. It was the best written and most thoughtful of any post I've read on this board. Perhaps some of the reasons mentioned will strike a cord in you and help you decide one way or the other.

I can't rembmer what it was titled exactly, but it shouldn't be that far back (datewise). Reasons I'm leaving or something like that.

And remember...we are all here because we are not all there....

Some people get here and fit right in, others get here and don't. And you'll never know which group you belong to until you try. One caveate, though...be prepared for it to be 'different'. How? Too hard to explain. But some can adapt to the differences and others can't. Give it a try and see where you fall in.

Hi Ellen,
what an interesting question that you posted. I just moved down here a little over a month ago (from Philadelphia). My family wasn't too keen on the idea either. It's one of those situations where you have to just do it. THe way I look at it is that if you don't, you may never get the chance again. Do you really want to have regrets in 10 years?
Having said that, from my own personal experience, I'm still not used to it down here. So I wouldn't say that I'm completely happy. The people/culture can be really different. And I sometimes feel like I don't belong. Plus, you have some inconveniences down here that you don't have in Philly. I never had to make a mile-trip down the mountain everytime I wanted to do laundry/trash/or a mailbox pickup. I've been told that it can sometimes take 4 months to 2 years to feel like this is your home. So if you do come down, try to give it some time. I mean, I'll be honest with you...there are definitely days that I want to pack up all my stuff & go home. ANd I can't promise that I'll be here forever. But I am here for now.

Hi,

Thank you all for replying.

I have been down in the area about 6 times now.. mostly BVI to sail and vacation. I did spend a few days on STT aways back before one of my sailing trips.

My choice would be St. John or Tortola but I know as a us citizen it is easier to live and work on St.t and St. J is a little too expensive from what I hear.

Obviously, it is different to live there than to vacation.. but the water,wind,sailing year round and the beautiful skies, trees and fauna are the draw to live there.

I'm pretty laid back.. once I'm settled! And am a very liberal, non judgemental type of person. I think I fit in anywhere.. am adabptable and easy going.

I think you want to go because of the difference and the adventure.

ellen

Hey Ellen,
I am in my sixth week here, and have no regrets moving to STT. I havn't learned all there is to do, see, experience, etc., but just getting into the daily rhythm of life here has been a great experience. Many of your family and friends will have their fears and loving concern for your welfare, and accept their resistance to a move as just that. However, you can be sure they will be the first to visit as soon as they see you can adapt and settle in (I've already had a friend come down)! There is a wealth of support you can get from those you meet here on the board, and you will soon make friends that are happy to see you succeed in your move when you get here. One thing I have learned for myself, is that it takes BEING HERE to benefit from everyone's goodwill and encouragement. It is much more than an adventure... it is a way of life that draws many to the islands. That step of being here is first required for you to see if the island life is for you. Regardless, even if you find that you don't fit the island life, you can rest assured that you will always have the memories, good or bad, of experiencing life in a different place and culture. These experiences will no doubt help you define the person you will become. If you are in a position where you have no pressing responsibilities to hold you stateside, come try it and see for yourself. I have met too many people who came for a visit and stayed, never regretting what they left behind... happy to have traded those things for the realities of living here. It may not be an easy transition (although it has been for me), but you will kick yourself for not seeing for yourself if this is for you. Besides... you can ALWAYS move to Kansas.
Regards,

I absolutely agree with what you said.
It is awful to live with regrets and that constant nagging of could of, would of, should of!!!

Ha ha!

The people on the board are great! And it is awesome that so many of you are willing to share your thoughts and experiences. It is truly unique. I feel like I have made friends with people who have initially just answered questions and then it turned into conversations, sharing photos, making plans to meet ect...

ellen

Hey - my boyfriend and I are also in the process of moving and going through a lot of the same stuff. His family is on the island but mine is in NJ and they are very unhappy about the idea of me moving. But...you only live once right, and I would definitely hate to have any regrets later. You have to take a chance even if it doesn't work out perfectly. Anyway, good luck and hope to meet everyone when we get down there. We are in the process of closing on our condo now so should be moving in the next few months.

The post that Island Paul is referring to can be found at https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,30275,30275#msg-30275

It is indeed a well-written and thought provoking piece, as are the follow-ups.

Yes... found that letter.

If you are a city person.. the islands are definitely not for you.

It also seemed like she wanted professional work and not work that is geared towards tourism. It seems like flexibility is the key to making a living down there.

I think they were young and still have a lot of city living to do as per their post. They made the right move by leaving.

I am 24yrs old and my boyfriend and I are in the process of moving down to stt also, in fact I just sold my car TODAY:) Anyways, my family are excited for us although his family is not jumping for joy (if you know what I mean.)
I think what I am most nervous about is not having enough money to support us if we cannnot find jobs right away. Do you have any ideas on how much money we should have before we go down? Just courious....thanks sharae

Probably you're worrying too much. I did before coming down, but as soon as I got here I felt at home. I haven't been lonely for a second and have met tons of great people. Both from this message board and not. I got here June 1st. Hung out for a week. Went to STX for a week and took a scuba certification class. Came back. Interviewed for one job and was hired on the spot for it. All I came with was a suitcase, my mac, a little money in my checking account and a positive attitude. I've lived all over the country and in several other countries and I've never felt as good about a place as quickly as I do here.
Good luck with your move and it isn't as traumatic as you think it's going to be. I can even say I'm almost comfortable driving on the "wrong" side of the road now. As long as the iguanas watch out for me.

Kate didn't tell you that the iguanas taste like chicken... she's had 3 in the last week! LOL

sailorgrl2-
I am a little late in sharing my thoughts- but I couldn't agree more with the advice that has been given. Probably the people who love you the most also don't want to see you potentially unhappy bc they love you so much. But what is unhappy- really? Taking some risks in life and possibly it not being everything you expected or spending the rest of your life shying away from what YOU want based on fear and what others are telling you. Face your fear of the unknown (and it is fear- otherwise it wouldn't be so scary when you get negative feedback from people). It will shape you into the strong person that you are becoming and know wants to come out. Some people live there whole lives just being OK. And for them, that is OK! I am not one of those people and if your having thoughts at your age of doing this than I am guessing you might not be either. No regrets!!!

You are soooo right. I am moving to STT in the fall and have been getting the same from my family. You're post definitely makes me feel better. And it definitely is FEAR - and that's absolutely no way to live.

J-
Thanks for your msg- this board is such a help. Its not only great to read and listen- but am finding that it is so cool to help someone in some way that is going through this too! So, thanks again for your post- I am glad it helped! When are you planning your move?

Hey Blue Water-

We are planning on moving in October. We are closing on a condo tomorrow in STT. We're very excited but also nervous. I am leaving my family in NJ but my boyfriend's family is in STT so that's great. We are still looking for jobs and a truck to buy down there. We are shipping one car. Cant' Wait!!!

Ideally I should be there in sept- so I can help you in any way possible in Oct. PM me your contact info if you want- and we can keep each other posted and maybe meet when you get to STT.

Hi everyone!

Thanks for taking the time to talk about this.

I am very excited about coming down there. I hate that my parents are so upset but I'm 42 and an adult. I can't live my life for them. I know that they are concerned about my well being.

They are worried about the crime, finding a job, taking jobs away from natives.. do natives feel that way by the way.

I love them and don't want to see them upset but I need to do this for me.

It is cool to see that other people are going through the same thing.

My hope is that I get down there, get settled, love it and have nothing but good things to report.

Looking forward to meeting many of you when I come down.

PMV in August, Estimated Arrival in september!

Sounds great. Don't worry, your family will adjust. Just bring enough with you on your PMV as you just may do as Linda from Michigan and not even bother with the return trip.

Seemed to help our families (who also are not keen on the idea) when we said "we're going to try it for a year or so." Also, once we bought a condo on STX it really helped for my parents to see pictures of it. Good luck, Ellen.

Hi!

Thanks for all the support and interesting comments.

I like many of you am a real free spirit who loves adventure and new experiences but also love my parents and want this to be less stressful for them.

Have a great weekend all!

ellen

I've been here 3 1/2 years now. My husband and I moved from NYC, so you can see it was definately a culture shock to us. It's true, the VI is not for everyone, but you'll never know if it's for you or not until you try. As long as you learn from something, it can never be construed as a mistake....only a lesson.
So if you feel that this is where you'd like to live (if only for a while) then you shouldn't let anyone's opinion sway your decision. So even if I told you that I absolutely adore it here 95% of the time,(the other 5% is a struggle that I would have anywhere I lived, cause you're only as happy as you make yourself) it shouldn't matter, as we all have different things that make us happy or frustrated. You may find that this is the place for you....if only for a while.
Good Luck!