Wanting to move from GA to USVI

There are lots of opportunities now on STX in the service industry, business struggling to find good reliable workers.  Businesses do not have time to entertain the many inquiries they get from stateside folks many of which are not really serious about moving.  Hence the reason service industry businesses want people to apply in person.  Those looking for a skilled professional position might get an employer to talk to them remotely.   

Your best bet s to do your research well from  stateside then do a PMV for as long as you can afford and checkout what's available for living arrangements and jobs.  The market has been very tight for rentals on STX since Maria but might open up slightly now with the refinery going on vacation.

It’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get a “serving job” without actually being on island.  You see, employers learned long ago that the vast majority of job seekers who say they are relocating to the island(s) never show up so instead of wasting time they just simply hire people who are already here.  Keep in mind that it’s Low Season in the Caribbean so many restaurants operate with reduced staff so finding gainful employment may take a while.  The hospitality industry doesn’t begin to gear up for High Season until late Fall.

It’s also extremely difficult for anyone to tell you how much money you’ll need since everyone’s lifestyle vary significantly.  The best advice anyone can give you is to bring enough money to support yourself (in the manner to which you’ve become accustomed) for at least 6 months while you look for an apartment and gainful employment.  You’ll need 3 month’s rent (first, last and 1 month security) when you sign a lease, you’ll need money for food, groceries, household and housekeeping items, utility deposits and monthly utility fees, cell phone service, internet, transportation, insurance (especially if you decide to purchase a car), and some extra for recreation and other personal activities and set aside some money for contingencies (or what I like to call those little adventures that life has in store for your checkbook each month.  To help with planning calculate what you’d spend for the above items where you now live for 7 months and add 25%.  The result will give you some idea of how much YOU will need. Better to bring extra than to bring too little.  

Lastly, make sure you keep enough in reserve to cover the cost of a return airline ticket just in case you find out that island life is not for you.

Good luck following your dream.

25% may only be good for cost of living such as food etc. The housing and electricity is gonna hurt lol. If you can make it happen do it. Your young it will be an amazing experience!!

The food service industry on STJ is in desperate need of workers.  Like others said, almost no one is going to hire you unless you already live here and have a valid food handlers card.  Affordable long teen housing is near impossible to find on St John.  The more desirable places go quickly by word of mouth.  But meeting people and networking are pretty easy to do once you are here.  

Many come...few stay.

It's not low season now on STX.  Most restaurants on STX right now are as busy as they typically are in normal high season with all the pent up vacation demand.  The food service industry on STX is in desperate need of workers right now as well to the point that they are having to limit capacity and reservations.  Not simply because of COVID restrictions any more, just not enough  cooks, waiters, dishwashers, hosts, whatever it takes to run the business.  Time will tell if we get a true low season this year in Sept-Oct in the peak of hurricane season.

you will need money for transportation ( a car ) maybe 3-5 k for a used car. 1st, last and security deposit for a rental. might run you about 6k, utility hook ups. electricity-not sure how much that is but there was a neighbor of ours who couldnt get hers turned on due to the previous tenant owing money , internet , basic furnishings that might not be included in the rent. tyou will want a couple months saved for just in case. maybe money for a return ticket back home. we are also coming into our slow season. busy season picks back up again in october. many places even shut down for 2-4 weeks around september. food, if you cant eat all your meals where you work-about 15 for one meal at a restaurant or about 200 per week grocery shopping and toiletries 

so i guess about 15k to start? 

dont forget hurricanes.  they can cause you to be without power for up to a year

Rarely lasts beyond 2-4 months - some over estimate worry

*******dont forget hurricanes.  they can cause you to be without power for up to a year

If your 22 you have nothing to loose but a little time……go for it now because you won’t find a better time in your life to give adventure a try.  If you’re resourceful, motivated and willing to work, you’ll be working in days, once you have the required papers. Use networking to both meet people but also find what you need…..work, housing and transportation.  People on island are generally outgoing, friendly and helpful.  Many began as you are doing now.  If you’re coming down with a friend I will assume you plan to live together, that means 2 incomes to cover living expenses in the short term, that should make things easier.  If it were me, and I was 22 again, I would think that if between the two of you you’ve got $10K or $12K you could make it work, if you’re aggressive and are willing to work.  To some extent it depends on your tolerance for risk.  The play it safe number is likely 2X that amount……but then again I’ve never really been a play it safe kind of a person.  Life is short and it’s the journey that counts.  Good luck in whatever you decide. 

I gotta say: all the advice in this thread is spot-on and I really can't add anything.  Just get here, get your Food Handler's Card and apply.  You'll be good to go!

@NugBlazer just don't be afraid to scoop a lil poop ? 

This site has a fair bit of job postings for the VI -> https://www.simplyhired.com/search?l=virgin+islands

It may give you an idea of the shorts of things you may quality for.

You have to look at the listing locations to see which island they are on (some are national or regional listings as well).

As mentioned by others in this (as well as your other thread), most places want to see you in person to hire you.

@exit-zero i know people who were almost a year. she needs to be aware it can be that long not the typical 3-6 months