So what's it REALLY like living in STJ?

[RickG]

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.

Yep, but we can still have the great experiences and live vicariously through our kids. I'm trying to convince my 16 year old to take a gap year before college and do something real - get a job and live a real life out from under her parents. I don't think she'll do it. But, if she did she might end up in Coral Bay working with Dana at Carolina Corral and living in a trailer at the Corral.

Cheers, RickG

[Tracy in WI]

GO! You're young, educated, single - what's holding you back?!

After college, I took a year and lived in Japan teaching english. It was only a year and it was an awesome experience. I had the opportunity to see and learn things I would have never had if I stayed and got a "normal" job.

Looking back, I wish I would have gone to St. John for a year after my Japan adventure!

GO!!!!

Tracy

[LysaC]

And you have the "waiting tables" experience to boot!

I wished I had some waitress or bartending experience. It seems as if one can travel the world with that experience!

[islandgirlstuckinVA]

waitressing is HARD work. it's not for idiots, despite popular belief. my co-workers and i always joke that everyone should be required to work in a restaurant at some point in their life..you'd have a lot more respect for those who serve you if so.

not only do you have to have (or SHOULD have...there's nothing worse than an unfriendly server) AMAZING customer service skills, you have to know how to REALLY multi-task. try working at a restaurant in Blacksburg, VA after a Virginia Tech football game....ahhhhhhh!

but it's honestly one of the most amazing experiences. you meet all sorts of people and you never know what you'll see! it's a lot of fun and a memorable experience (if you don't mind being on your feet allllllll day long! lol)

but you're right...i think you could travel around the world with that little skill!

[STJDreamer]

Hi everyone, best friend here. Have any of you worked as an RN on STJ or STT or do you know anyone that has? I'm just looking for some feedback on how nursing is there and how long it took to transfer your license. Thanks and thanks for all the advice so far!

[brenda]

First of all, I would like to say that I too would jump at the opportunity to try something like that if I were 21 again.

For STJ dreamer, have you thought about looking into Traveling Nurses? I am an RN and thought about doing it back in the day (in the states, as I didn't even know about STJ). Although I haven't looked at the options any time recent, you would probably sign up for a 6 or 12 week contract. They might very well even pay for your housing. No real hospital though on STJ, it would have to be on STT.

mrs captain jay, if you read this, didn't Shaunda get her housing provided when she worked as a Physical Therapist on STT?

[cocosmom]

If you want to play it safer, here is an idea. Last trip to STX we met 2 women who were teachers.They came every summer. One worked dive boats & the other waited tables at a cute little place next to the dive shop. Since you are a teacher, that may be an option..but not your nurse friend. They rented a condo in Gentle Winds which is very nice..the money must be decent since we all know what teachers make I was also approached to open a special ed school in STX once owner of the biggest tax paying company there heard I was a special ed teacher. Did hear from him that the public school teachers on STX don't get paid regularly...Don't know about STT. Why not use your degree on STJ or STT...might be an option

[STJDreamer]

If/when we go, I will go as a traveler. I have been looking at different companies that work with the hospital there and most do offer housing compensation. I am just curious how the hospital there differs from here.

[mrscaptainjay]

mrs captain jay, if you read this, didn't Shaunda get her housing provided when she worked as a Physical Therapist on STT?

Yes, Shaunda and now Jim, both traveling PT's work for Platinum Select and worked at the hospital on STT. They both got a housing and car allowance. If you want to PM me your email address, I can give it to the both of them and they can tell you what the hospital environment was like. They both took 90 day assignments and the hospital wanted them both to stay longer. But they decided even though they loved STT, they wanted to see other places as well.
Deb

[piscesgirl0314]

When I was 25 living in Michigan and going through a divorce I had an opportunity to relocate to a job in Virginia Beach, VA. While Virginia Beach is NOT STJ, it was such a great experience. I've been in VA for 14 years. I met my husband, we got married on STJ and have a beautiful 7 year old daughter. If it were me, I would go. If things don't work out, you can always go back home...I believe its good for your soul to live some place else...