One of the first questions poised by many who consider relocating to the islands is the possibility of landing a job in the islands. This question takes many different forms because there are those who only wish a very unskilled type job to finance a temporary stay in the islands. Then there are those who wish to make the move for the adventure of residing in what is perceived as a magical location and the quality of job they might obtain is completely secondary to just being able to emerge in the islands climate and beauty and culture to facilitate a personal life-style. Many families think of making the move as a life experience for them and their children and in this case the quality of job is a little more important than the more casual approach of a new graduate or a single person trying a new life-style. Usually professional level job seekers are more discriminating in job objectives and therefore one might think the job market would be more difficult.
In truth, there are usually jobs of all types available in the USVI but it can be said in general that the pay scales will be below what you will expect on the mainland. It is also true that getting a job in the Virgin Islands is a completely different task than using the approach one would use on the mainland. There are certain professions, such as teachers and nursing that is just continually in demand in the islands but there are challenges in these fields that need to be carefully studied. Other professions are available but it is most often difficult getting a line on these jobs unless you have the appropriate approach. In seeking any of these jobs one must be prepared for the cultural differences you will encounter.
With your Island News subscriber kit you will be furnished a data sheet on the art of getting a job in the U.S. Virgin Islands, plus we keep our readers briefed on changes in the economy of the islands on an ongoing basis. Many times our subscribers are lead to work opportunities just through the information that comes as part of each issue of the publication. As a subscriber to Island News you are plugged into this type of information that is simply not available through any other source.
While the job market in the islands in 2003 is no panacea, there are still possibilites so long as one is willing to downscale pay levels. © 2003 ISLAND NEWS