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Hi All, I am a 40 year old recently divorced master automotive technician who is unattached for the first time in my life and after investigating making the move for aboput 3 months now want to go ahead and make my plans. My first concern is employment, I am a highly experienced automotive technician ( Honda and Acura products) with experience in motorcycles, Honda marine and power equipment also. I still don't know what my chances are of finding a job there and what Island would be the best for my job category ( St. Thomas or St. Croix?). My next concern would be finding housing, I need a one bedroom or studio that accepts a dog and preferably has a garage or attached workshop as I restore vintage motorcycles in my spare time, i also need a place to keep a motorcycle as that will be my primary mode of transportation there. I was born and raised in the Florida Keys so the tropics and island life is not foreign to me, but S.Florida is not the same place it was when I was a teenager and the islands seem to be more geared to the lifestyle I seek, slow and warm!. I figure I may have to take a job as a marine technician if I can't find a good automotive garage to work at right away. I also have done some instructing in the automotive feild and wouldn't be objectionable to taking a teaching position. If anyone has any constructive advice please give it as even though I have investigated this move I still feel like I,m going into this thing blindly. Thanks, Jack Macallister, Atlanta, Ga.
Posted : January 31, 2005 12:55 am
Hi, Jack,
There may be some opportunities for you here, but I would highly suggest a PMV to really see if you can find what you are looking for. An apartment with a garage? Most likely not. Most, and I mean like 98%, of the places here don't even have a garage,let alone onethat the apartmnent occupantcan use. Your dog won't be a problem in looking for an apartment, but you will probably have to board him until you find someplace. You really can't find a place unless you are here, ya know? Same thing with the job. Most people dont' want to rent to you until they meet you, and most jobs are the same way. This island (STT) has so many transients, that the trust factor is kind of low. People *say* they are coming, or say they are staying forever, and it just doesn't materialize.
I've been here over 7 years, and I ride my Harley everyday.
Posted : January 31, 2005 12:36 pm
Hello Jack,
You might look into contacting Western Auto or Midas on St. Thomas. There are other mechanic shops as well, local businesses. And many "backyard mechanics". Look in the yellow pages (www.viphonebook.com) for a list of them to see how many there are, perhaps call and ask to see what type of work they do, if they are hiring etc. Marty's idea of coming down for a pre move visit is a good one; that way you can visit various mechanic shops and check out apartments and see if the prospect of moving here is really what you want to do. A marine techician is definately an option - perhaps Pamela on the board could give some suggestions on that end.
--Islander
Posted : February 3, 2005 6:27 am
Hi Jack,
(I don't want to say that on a plane!!) I, for one, would like to see you move to STX. I will ,hopefully, move in the Spring or Summer. I am planning on bringing my Honda Civic Hybrid. I know there is a dealer on STX. There is a vocational high school on StX.
Good luck and I hope to see you soon,
Posted : February 3, 2005 5:48 pm
