Want to MOVE...Need Job Advice / Health Insurance

It's going to be difficult to get a job if you're not on island. employer's want to make sure you're here to stay - house, etc...put in a resume and application with the VI Dept. of Labor located in Sunny Isle. Also check career.vi. I haven't seen many openings for retail, it has been very slow as of late.

health insurance can be obtained through your employer. for insurance on your own, i believe that St. Croix Insurance in Christiansted offers this. Cigna is widely accepted. Do you have a COBRA option through your previous employer?

I STRONGLY suggest that you line everything up before you uproot yourself and family. It may cost you 1500 or so but it may save you lots of money and stress in the end.

Line up a job, a place to live, a car, doctor, school for the child and on and on.

Believe me I see more people move down and in a half a year they leave. And by the way you had better plan on having about 10,000 in the bank ready to spend right away. You will need three months rent and that could be 4500 right there! And I would not count on your managerial expierence as a big thing unless you have worked in the travel and guest industry.

billd

Good afternoon ccitydude,

Which island are you looking at? Have you done a pre-move visit (not a vacation) to see whether living here really could work for you and your family? When are you thinking of moving?

The easiest way to make the move would be for you to come down first, get a job, line everything up for your family, and then bring them down. nforbes and billd are absolutely right; it is very difficult to get a job until you are living on island. That's just how it works down here. At the same time, it's a lot easier to find a place to live very quickly than it is in the States. The retail business is pretty slow here outside of high season, so timing your move may be important to get your foot in the door.

billd is also right about needing savings, beyond what it will cost you to physically move yourselves and your possessions here. Once you pay first/last/security on rent, plus any utilities, then arrange for a safe vehicle for your family, then stock your pantry, set up your PO box, replace what was too expensive to ship, etc..... $10K won't carry you much farther than that.

Do NOT assume full time eployment will mean health insurance for your family. It will probably mean paid insurance for YOU only and that after a probationary period.