We're official

You won't need to take the written test if your NJ license is still valid.

Thanks! That's good news. KJ

Congrats on the move what kind of jobs do you guys have there? We we hoping that it won't take us to long to find something in our fields of computers and contractor. Thanks Ronna

Been home since the 15th. So far have housing,vehicle,and license changed over. No stress in any transaction. The best part so far was a ferry ride to St. John for the new license. The whole process took twenty minutes with some of the nicest people, and most efficient, I have met. I took my SS card, original, passport and NY license plus $45. done deal. In NY the renewal process was hours long and tough attitude from most employees.

KLJ55, didn't I hear that the housing market up there has gone down? If so, you're timing was very good getting the sale. You're really lucky not to have to take that written driving test. Congratulations on the move.

Ronna--thanks for the warm wishes. We are both attorneys. My husband has been licenced in the VI for years (he worked on St. Thomas, but returned to NYC after Hugo) and has kept up a practice here, even though we lived in NJ, so it's not a huge change for him. I worked for American Express in a legal-related job, but I have not practiced law in over 10 years, so I have a bit of catching up to do. I'm going to take the VI bar in July--I won't be much use to a firm until I am admitted. I have met other attorneys and told them of my interest in practicing law. Based on that informal networking (this is usually at dinners, cocktail parties, etc.), I have had a couple of places express some interest, which surprised me, since I really haven't formally started looking. Now, I should say that I am not looking for a huge salary, have flexibility to work part time or full time, etc., which may may make it easier for me to find something, versus someone who needs full time work and a salary to cover student loans, living expenses, savings for retirement etc. Even given that, I suspect you will have a similar experience when you are here. I would think that computer knowledge would be in high demand and I'm quite sure a good contractor would be in extreme demand. We have heard of a lot of renovation horror stories, so I have to believe a reliable contractor would be a terrific find for folks. We live in a condo in STX and I am always hearing of people looking for a contractor who can handle their projects in the off season, when they aren't there. Let me know how the job hunt goes.

Trade--thanks for the congrats. You are right about the housing market. My husband & I feel like we were the last ones out with respect to selling our home. We had it under contract in October, which I think helped. We also are quite close to NYC (about a 5 minute ferry ride across the Hudson, with a 10 minute walk to the boat on the Jersey side), so I think we benefited from New York City's strong market. Probably the last thing that helped us is we owned a 4 story building (brownstone style), which is unusual in our area. Most of the buildings our size have been made into condos, so it is rare to be able to purchase an entire building. Having said all that, however, if we were trying to sell now I think it would be a lot more difficult. KJ

i know nothing about lawyering down here, but if you're not looking for a huge salary maybe you could help out some of the non profits like the womens coalition or SEA, i'm thinking there are groups here in need of good legal help,just a thought.

TRW--that's a great idea. I really want to do some volunteer work and that would be a good way to ease myself back in, plus contribute a bit. I need to find out about malpractice insurance and pass the bar first, since I'm not licensed to practice here. I have met a couple of really nice women who do a lot of volunteer work for the women's coalition, so I have a contact. Thanks much for the suggestion. KJ

KlJ555,
You don't need malpractice insurance in the USVI. They just slap you upside your head and tell you to stop it!
Are You from Hoboken,Jersey city, Gutenberg, North Bergen because of the Brownstone reference, I ask. I have family in Bergen County ( Ridgewood, Maywood, and Hasbrouck Heights). Welcome to STX. the malpractice thing was a joke.

I lived in good old Jersey City, in an area called Paulus Hook. We were 3 blocks off the Hudson, across from lower Manhattan. I worked in the World Financial Center, so it was a really convenient commute. Thanks for the welcome. We are so excited to be here.

KLJ555,
My son is a special education teacher at Academy One School, just across the street from New Jersey city University.

Welcome KJL555. Good luck to you.

Tammy

you're more than welcome KJL555

Hi: I am a Paralegal and my husband is a retired engineer, do you know if the firm is hiring. I was thinking of moving me and my husband down to the Islands so that he can enjoy retirement. We live in Michigan and it is 8 degrees. I am tired of the cold wheather and my dead end job. Are you renting your Condo, or did you buy it. My husband is against renting? We were thinking about trying to build. Do you have any suggestions or advise regarding the move to the Islands? Was it a culture shock or was it easy for you to adjut. My husband brings in about 3000 on his retirement, do you think that is enought to live off of?