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Topic starter
Sorry! I originally posted this on the wrong board!
hello all. the family and i are STRONGLY considering making the move. the only thing that is giving me pause is the small (hahaha i know) factor of employment. we aren't independently wealthy, so i will have to work to support the family. i'm gathering that finding good employment (such as any type of professional job) prior to the move isn't going to happen.
so the reality is figure out how much savings we are willing to blow through, make the move and pick up any type of job that i can while i look in professional areas? is that accurate?
thanks!
Posted : February 2, 2010 3:05 pm
If you are looking in the legal field, medical field, law enforcement, hotel admin, bank management, etc. you can possibly arrange for an interview here from off island, using phone and email, but actually landing a job and contract without some time on island and personal contact, even as short as a week long PMV, would be extremely fortunate.
Posted : February 2, 2010 3:28 pm
What are your skills?
Posted : February 2, 2010 3:46 pm
Topic starter
technology.
i have experience in tech operations, tech consulting, tech auditing, etc.
Posted : February 2, 2010 4:11 pm
From my experience you have to be here and do the calls and the face time. Networking is huge. There are a lot of tech people here who operate idependently and some companies and or the government may be looking.
I work in facilities management and construction and had experience working in the Caribbean. It took me a little over 6 months to score a good position. Look at UVI, the hospitals, government both terratorial and federal. It sems you really have to be here to be taken seriously. good luck
Posted : February 2, 2010 5:19 pm
Took me 4 months to find something. Helps to be flexible about the opportunities. Expect salaries around half-2/3 what you would see on the mainland. Opportunities are few and far between. Your not likely to be picked up by an EDC company unless you've been here for at least a year (residency requirement).
It's tough, but you've just got to be prepared and keep at it. The more contacts you make the better. Most jobs are found through 'who you know'. Volunteering with non-profits helps in making connections.
Good luck.
Posted : February 2, 2010 5:34 pm
Topic starter
thanks for the input. i'm definitely flexible about opportunities, and willing to do whatever is needed in the interim. just looking for realistic information and preparing my wife for the leap of faith.
Posted : February 2, 2010 7:02 pm
I have some friends who work at the airport on STX and understand that there are positions open in
Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ice.gov).
I know that CBP just received a big pay raise to their base salary, but it seems like a rather boring job.
I think you can go to their websites and apply, or apply at usajobs.gov.
I would think that knowledge in tech operations would go a long way in law enforcement.
Good Luck
Posted : February 3, 2010 11:38 am