Interviewing with a...
 
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Interviewing with a company on Monday, looking to relocate.

(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

What are some good questions to ask about living locally. The gentlemen I'm interviewing with has lived there for 10 years. Also, I'm assuming it'll be easier to move if you already have a secured job, but what is a good salary so that you can live comfortably without feeling like you're just getting buy. Living in paradise is one thing, but if you can't make ends meet it's not going to be too enjoyable. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers
D

 
Posted : June 2, 2017 11:12 am
(@afriend)
Posts: 525
Honorable Member
 

Well, since everyone's living style is different there is no set answer for your question "...what is a good salary ...". The best rule of thumb is for you to figure out how much you need to support yourself where you now live and then add around 20% to 25% to that number and you'll have some idea of the amount YOU will need to maintain that same lifestyle in the USVI's.

The challenge will be finding a way to earn that amount since wages in the Caribbean including the USVI's tend to be lower than for comparable jobs back on the mainland. Many people making the move either work multiple jobs or make a significant change in their lifestyle.

As for what questions to ask - there are literally hundreds of topics that may or may not be important to YOU. Take some time to read through the material you'll find by using the dropdown menus at the top of this page. Start on the left side and work your way across to the left. You'll find loads of useful information and topics that may not seem important now but will have a big impact on you if and when you make the move. Browse through the material and the questions YOU should ask your potential employer will become obvious.

Good luck with your interview.

 
Posted : June 2, 2017 12:43 pm
(@ms411)
Posts: 3554
Famed Member
 

D, imo you need a minimum salary of $50,000 to live comfortably as a single. You didn't say what company or what island. You don't want to relocate on the promise of a job if the company isn't a reliable employer.

 
Posted : June 3, 2017 4:21 am
(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the info it really helps. I'm thinking the hardest part will be finding the right apartment.

 
Posted : June 4, 2017 2:52 am
(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the info. It is a well established fairly high profile company on the island so If get an offer I would think it's pretty reliable.

 
Posted : June 4, 2017 2:53 am
(@alana33)
Posts: 12366
Illustrious Member
 

How much do you usually spend for your lifestyle?
What's a good salary to you?

 
Posted : June 4, 2017 3:22 am
(@SkysTheLimit)
Posts: 1914
Noble Member
 

Thanks for the info it really helps. I'm thinking the hardest part will be finding the right apartment.

Don't lock into a long term lease right away unless you find something you love.
The best apartments stay rented most of the time. When they become available they are filled with new tenants via word of mouth. Often to someone they've known for awhile. That has been our experience as landlords with an apartment that has only had 3 tenants over 12 years. Get out, talk to people, let them know what you are looking for. People here love to help others!!

Unlike the mainland US many, many houses have apartments either attached, downstairs, or a cottage. Many with a pool and fruit trees. Unlike condo or "apartment" living, it feels more like a home to me. In our case all tenants became close friends, and we live on the property year round with 3 dogs and a cat.

If you are flexible there is another angle. Many snowbirds like to have someone stay in their homes while off island. I know a handful of people that do just that. They rent a small affordable apartment knowing they will be living in a "villa" for the summer. It can be a pain but seems to work out for the ones I know... In fact, once they have a reputation, they are in high demand.

 
Posted : June 4, 2017 2:31 pm
(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

My apt is usually between 900-1100 for a two bedroom plus utilities. Usually stay in avg to higher end apts. I have a big screen tv and usually get the HD channels, but won't be bringing that with me so should save a good 100 bucks or more there. I'm hoping to be more outdoorsy there. I have my dive instructor license to plan to do a lot of diving. Hopefully won't be much time for that. As far as a good salary, here I am looking for 50-60K, but just depends. The position there I am applying for is a management position.

 
Posted : June 5, 2017 1:07 am
(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for the info, was planning on a one year lease since the initial payments and deposit will probably wipe me out. It'll take that long to build deposits back up. I kind of figured that the folks who I'm interviewing for would be able to help me find something decent. Already found some that look ok on craigslist and have been reaching out to real estate brokers.

 
Posted : June 5, 2017 1:09 am
(@LuckyGirl56)
Posts: 330
Reputable Member
 

Thanks for the info, was planning on a one year lease since the initial payments and deposit will probably wipe me out. It'll take that long to build deposits back up. I kind of figured that the folks who I'm interviewing for would be able to help me find something decent. Already found some that look ok on craigslist and have been reaching out to real estate brokers.

Beware of ads on Craigslist. Never rent "sight unseen". Unfortunately, there are many "scammers" on Craigslist advertising rentals available on all 3 islands. Your best bet, like SkysTheLimit said, is either word of mouth from locals once you're here, or a local realtor.

 
Posted : June 5, 2017 12:48 pm
(@bdwestfall)
Posts: 12
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks Luckygirl. Was just looking to try the get an idea of what things are like. I certainly don't plan on renting something 3000 miles away. The places I have found I double checked with the real estate agencies that listed them on CL. Another one I asked the folks I interviewed with considering is on the same bit of property and they were familiar with it. I've also reached out to a couple of real estate agents but haven't heard back. I don't know if they won't chat until I'm there or what. Hoping that if I get the job there the company I am working for will offer assistance in finding a place. If anyone has a realtor they would suggest I'd appreciate it.

 
Posted : June 6, 2017 10:50 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 12366
Illustrious Member
 

I sent you a PM with Realtor contact.
Good luck with everything.

 
Posted : June 6, 2017 11:38 pm
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