usvi-on-line
So what's it REALLY like living in STJ?
The Maho work program is a good idea to get a taste of things. I've seen a couple of people move from that to paid employee to full-time island resident. My buddy Ralph did this program as a retiree - it was real work! You are doing manual labor in the sun, heat and humidity while taking salt tablets every day to keep from passing out. Manicured nails? More like splinters from pressure treated wood.
There's a poem he wrote about his time at Maho on this trip report http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... of_10.html
Maho is a good approach because it gives you a taste without having to find lodging and transportation with the up front time and money that takes. Doing a pre-move visit for a month is a good way to get started.
I love St. John, but St. Thomas and St. Croix are a lot more affordable.
Cheers, RickG
There's a poem he wrote about his time at Maho on this trip report http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Trip_Reports/2 ... of_10.html
Maho is a good approach because it gives you a taste without having to find lodging and transportation with the up front time and money that takes. Doing a pre-move visit for a month is a good way to get started.
I love St. John, but St. Thomas and St. Croix are a lot more affordable.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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islandgirlstuckinVA
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:52 pm
- Location: ESVA
Thank you for all of the replies!
I have worked in a restaurant since I was 14, waitressed since I was 18...I know all about long hours and hard work
I really wasn't expecting so many positive replies! Thank you so much! And I will be pming a few of you for more details (have to go to class first! still want that degree!!)
My friend and I were browsing online, she's a nurse and oddly enough ST. Thomas has 3 openings in l & d. Maybe it's fate.........
I have worked in a restaurant since I was 14, waitressed since I was 18...I know all about long hours and hard work
I really wasn't expecting so many positive replies! Thank you so much! And I will be pming a few of you for more details (have to go to class first! still want that degree!!)
My friend and I were browsing online, she's a nurse and oddly enough ST. Thomas has 3 openings in l & d. Maybe it's fate.........
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islandgirlstuckinVA
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:52 pm
- Location: ESVA
"the only thing that matters is how you look in a white Woody's BoyBeater Tank Top and whether you have enough cash to cover you until a little bit starts coming in."
i already live in the Woody's tank...got it down.
i just remembered something...on my last trip to STJ in May I met a young guy, about 21, that had just arrived to STJ. I remember thinking "he's living my life..."
ah, i really want to do this...
i already live in the Woody's tank...got it down.
i just remembered something...on my last trip to STJ in May I met a young guy, about 21, that had just arrived to STJ. I remember thinking "he's living my life..."
ah, i really want to do this...
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
I lived on island for 2 yrs til my mom took ill and I had to come back stateside.
Like X I was older then 21 but I agree if you have that desire then do it....
Remember it is $$$ but living on St. John and getting to go to Jost and to the Baths and everywhere is such the experience. The pace and the vibe you get with island living is just to me amazing
I had no problem with work
I was told if:
you show up on time
sober
clean
you will never have a hard time getting a job.
I have friends on island that came down when they were your age and heck 10-15 yrs later they are still there........
Like X I was older then 21 but I agree if you have that desire then do it....
Remember it is $$$ but living on St. John and getting to go to Jost and to the Baths and everywhere is such the experience. The pace and the vibe you get with island living is just to me amazing
I had no problem with work
I was told if:
you show up on time
sober
clean
you will never have a hard time getting a job.
I have friends on island that came down when they were your age and heck 10-15 yrs later they are still there........
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
I'm 10 years older than you, and let me tell you this: if I were in your shoes now, knowing what I know at my age, I'd go in a heartbeat and never look back. Yes, it's chancey, yes you'll have to work hard for little money, but it's a hell of an adventure, and one I wish I'd had the chance to explore.
Just be sure you have some rainy day money in the bank that you do not touch unless and absolute emergency. Remember: a weekend trip to St. Maarten is not an emergency. Not being able to buy groceries or pay your rent is an emergency.
Face it, the economy pretty much stinks in the US now. It's hard for a lot of young people to find jobs, and the real world will ALWAYS be waiting for you. Some days I think the "real world" is more relentless than the grim reaper. At any rate, I'd say listen to the sage advice of those who've made this move before you, but I'd do it if I were you.
Just be sure you have some rainy day money in the bank that you do not touch unless and absolute emergency. Remember: a weekend trip to St. Maarten is not an emergency. Not being able to buy groceries or pay your rent is an emergency.
Face it, the economy pretty much stinks in the US now. It's hard for a lot of young people to find jobs, and the real world will ALWAYS be waiting for you. Some days I think the "real world" is more relentless than the grim reaper. At any rate, I'd say listen to the sage advice of those who've made this move before you, but I'd do it if I were you.
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AlabamaSusana
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:32 pm
Go for it and learn to scuba dive (+)
We have been visiting the USVI (STJ and STX) for MANY years and have talked with numerous young (and not so young) people that have made the move; some successfully and some not. Most are working 2 jobs to be able to afford living there. The most successful ones (happiest with lifestyle) are the ones who came with someone or found friends very quickly (emotional support is crucial) and the ones who had specialized training (nurses do well). I would suggest that you focus on getting teaching/nursing jobs - you might need to waitress as well. Don't limit yourselves to STJ as there might be more openings on STT or STX. Do learn to scuba dive - it is amazing! And it might lead to a good second job (working on a boat or in a dive shop).
I agree with all the posters and say go for it!
You are single, educated and already have the job experience.
Keep a clear head, be smart, be safe (most important) and you'll have an awesome time!
I did a lot of travelling in my 20's and am SO glad I did it. Experiencing life outside of your safe and familiar home/school environment really gives you a different perspective.
You learn that life does not revovle around you. You learn what your strengths and weaknesses are. You learn that there are many many people out there with differing views, opinions, religious beliefs, priorities, etc and you learn why they think different that you do.
You are single, educated and already have the job experience.
Keep a clear head, be smart, be safe (most important) and you'll have an awesome time!
I did a lot of travelling in my 20's and am SO glad I did it. Experiencing life outside of your safe and familiar home/school environment really gives you a different perspective.
You learn that life does not revovle around you. You learn what your strengths and weaknesses are. You learn that there are many many people out there with differing views, opinions, religious beliefs, priorities, etc and you learn why they think different that you do.
A good quote, supposedly from Mark Twain:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." Give your future self some great stories!
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." Give your future self some great stories!
I will give my 2 cents here. I went to St John for the 1st time in 1994. Like you,I was right out of college and had a twin sister working at Maho. I had a round trip ticket that I only used half. I didnt go back to Dallas until 3 years later, as 2 weeks just wasnt enough. I made great friends and had great times. This was all before having kids etc.
It is much different living there, than vacationing there. St John is not like living in San Diego or any beach town stateside. Alot of the time you are working and if you are waiting tables, you are probabaly working doubles alot. I volunteered at Maho for my tent accomodations, but worked at a shop in town for my spending money. I eventually moved to a rent house in Great Cruz Bay and it was small (450sq ft) and expensive, but had a great view that kept me happy.
I would do it, maybe for a month at Maho if you dont have anything lined up. See how you like it, learn more from the locals on where to rent/work etc while at Maho. Maho usually does have a waiting list for their volunteers, so get an app in ASAP.
Biggest thing, do your research before you go down there. Save your money! Money goes quickly on the island with taxi's, food, drinks and all. It's hard to get ahead without money saved.
It is much different living there, than vacationing there. St John is not like living in San Diego or any beach town stateside. Alot of the time you are working and if you are waiting tables, you are probabaly working doubles alot. I volunteered at Maho for my tent accomodations, but worked at a shop in town for my spending money. I eventually moved to a rent house in Great Cruz Bay and it was small (450sq ft) and expensive, but had a great view that kept me happy.
I would do it, maybe for a month at Maho if you dont have anything lined up. See how you like it, learn more from the locals on where to rent/work etc while at Maho. Maho usually does have a waiting list for their volunteers, so get an app in ASAP.
Biggest thing, do your research before you go down there. Save your money! Money goes quickly on the island with taxi's, food, drinks and all. It's hard to get ahead without money saved.
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stjohnjulie
- Posts: 570
- Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2008 10:34 am
- Location: St. John VI
I came here when I was twenty something thinking I'd work for a bit then return to "the real world". I bought a round-trip plane ticket, sold all of my stuff, put the remainder into two duffel bags, and hoped for the best. It's been 9 years, and I don't ever want to go back to the "real world", you guys can have it!
My son, now 7, was born here. The biggest draw back to living here with him is that he has outgrown the school. He is super bright and the school doesn't challenge him. He goes to Gifft Hill School, and they charge a lot of money!! Some of the other drawbacks are lack of organized sports, not many places to ride a bike (or learn how to!), being far away from extended family. The benefits of living here are to numerous (in my opinion) to list.
St. John is expensive, no doubt about that. I have learned to live without a lot of things and I feel like I'm a better person for it. All that "stuff" one seems to acquire while living stateside is simply that, stuff. All that "stuff" seems to complicate things. St. John is not for everyone, but to me, it is almost perfect! If you have the chance to come, do it! You won't know unless you try and you may kick yourself for the rest of your life if you don't.
My son, now 7, was born here. The biggest draw back to living here with him is that he has outgrown the school. He is super bright and the school doesn't challenge him. He goes to Gifft Hill School, and they charge a lot of money!! Some of the other drawbacks are lack of organized sports, not many places to ride a bike (or learn how to!), being far away from extended family. The benefits of living here are to numerous (in my opinion) to list.
St. John is expensive, no doubt about that. I have learned to live without a lot of things and I feel like I'm a better person for it. All that "stuff" one seems to acquire while living stateside is simply that, stuff. All that "stuff" seems to complicate things. St. John is not for everyone, but to me, it is almost perfect! If you have the chance to come, do it! You won't know unless you try and you may kick yourself for the rest of your life if you don't.
Rick G said:
"I started a hard-core career 5 days after graduating from college. I was poor and hungry and needed the money, but looking back I could have had some fun first."
I couldn't agree more. I had much the same experience. After college I wanted to work for a few months, then backpack around Europe for a year---my Dad talked me out of it (I'm much too obedient). I now wish I had done something like that, just to have a greater variety of life experiences.
So whether its St. John, St. Thomas, or a ski town in Colorado, I'd try it.
"I started a hard-core career 5 days after graduating from college. I was poor and hungry and needed the money, but looking back I could have had some fun first."
I couldn't agree more. I had much the same experience. After college I wanted to work for a few months, then backpack around Europe for a year---my Dad talked me out of it (I'm much too obedient). I now wish I had done something like that, just to have a greater variety of life experiences.
So whether its St. John, St. Thomas, or a ski town in Colorado, I'd try it.
---Jim
Go for it!! I moved to St. Thomas when I was 18 with a friend who was a nurse and got at job at the hospital. Without dating myself too much 
, this was BEFORE the internet, so we really had no idea what we getting into. We rented a house over the phone, had $100 between us and packed our suitcase with Kraft Mac N Cheese. I ended up staying for 3 years. It was an experience I will never forget and a lot of those memories are among my most cherished.
, this was BEFORE the internet, so we really had no idea what we getting into. We rented a house over the phone, had $100 between us and packed our suitcase with Kraft Mac N Cheese. I ended up staying for 3 years. It was an experience I will never forget and a lot of those memories are among my most cherished.Paula
