h3ath3r86
11/4/2013 01:05 EST
I'm 27 and currently living in Vancouver. My boyfriend lives in Jamaica and I've been going back and forth. From the west coast, the flights are terribly expensive. I'm thinking of leaving $10k here in case, and taking another $10k and moving to Ja. I won't need rent, but I will NEED things such as AC. My bf works in a hotel and does okay, but not enough for both of us. Think going with $10k and not having a job right away is a life ruining mistake? Is it even going to be possible to find a job once there? I have no post secondary education but I've been in finance for 10 years....
Thanks for any advice!
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luvvinlife
From: Jamaica
11/4/2013 07:54 EST
my two cents....it's not crazy..it's a great life experience...likelihood of finding a job, not so good, but NOT impossible, but for a US citizen, and probably anyone, it's 2k US, for a work permit, for one job, for one year..live as frugally as you can, is the best advice i can give you, and do not buy anything, until you have spent alot of time living on the island. oftentimes, people decide that they dont' really want to live there. dont' burn bridges at home.
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LoriB
11/4/2013 10:42 EST
You won't know until you try it! luvinlife gave you really good advice.
To apply for a work permit you either need a JA employER who has a job they want to hire you for or you need to start a business.
Can you get by 6-8 months without a job? If so, go to JA for 3-6 months and see how that is for you, while looking for potential employers/business opportunities.
Don't tell anyone how much money you have or much about your personal situation.
Do not physically take a large amount of cash with you, there are lots of ATM's where you can withdraw cash as needed. Get a Scotia Bank account, or find a banking/brokerage firm that doesn't charge foreign exchange fees and will rebate ATM fees. Its beneficial to have more than one bank to work with, as well as an alternate debit card in case your primary gets lost or eaten by the ATM.
You will learn a living with your boyfriend for extended periods of time that you would not learn through short visits!
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labellalife
11/4/2013 11:11 EST
I'm doing the same thing! I'm moving there next year to see if my boyfriend and I are a match or not. I've also been going back and forth a lot. I don't think it's crazy, I think we are just risk taker and to me that's a good thing. As Lori and Lovinlife advised, I'm just going there for about 3 to 6 months next year to see if I can actually make Jamaica my permanent home and live with my boyfriend. I think after 6 months I would have a clearer idea about whether i want to stay there and at that point plan for a business since I've heard is very hard to get employment there. Like you I won't have to pay rent as I'll be living with my boyfriend, I hope to live off my savings for the first 6 months and then see what kind of business to start. What parish will you be living in?
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leus
11/4/2013 11:18 EST
Hi crazy:)
, I dont think its crazy i think its a good idea, you will try and see how things go..
With that amount of money you have you will doing good for a time , and maybe you will be lucky and you will find some job.
What area are you planning to move ?
Im moving back to Jamaica in January 2014 .St.Ann parish
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Maximumgirl
11/4/2013 11:20 EST
I lived with my Jamaican husband in Canada for 2 years until he was recently sent home. I am moving to Montego Bay at Christmas. We rented a nice house and I am planning on starting a business. I have some nervousness - I have an 11 year old daughter and I'm trying to get her into a good school... and I am praying that my business goes well. Overall I am excited. My family thinks I'm crazy but life is an adventure. Can no wait for this experience!
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h3ath3r86
11/4/2013 11:41 EST
Wow you guys are amazing. I lived in Thailand for a year, and the services available to expats are phenomenal. Feeling like Ja we might be on our own. I'm looking to live in the Runaway Bay Area for now, right near Salem beach. I'm so worried about finding a job, I have no post secondary education, just experience. I already live very minimal for a Canadian, the only luxury item I'm interested in is AC. This little community is amazing lets all keep in touch and see where our dreams can take us!
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labellalife
11/4/2013 12:06 EST
I started a post about three months ago, it was all about people who were planning to move there who, like me, where in long distance relationships, etc.. I got a lot of responses, I would like to start a network of friends for when we all move there :) I'll send you my email.
When are you planning on moving? I'm moving some time in May. I'm worried as well about work, but I've already set my mind up that I will probably have to start a business, as employment for non Jamaicans is very scarce and even if you are lucky enough to find work, they don't pay much. Since you have 20k, i think that should be an ok amount to start some type of business there. When will you be in Jamaica next? I'm going at the end of November for 6 days.
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h3ath3r86
11/4/2013 13:23 EST
I'm stuck in Canada until the end of this year at least, already used up all my holiday time at work going to Jamaica a few times this year :(. I really considered starting a business as well, had MANY ideas and all came to dead ends. Agreed though, it will be near impossible I think to find a job there unless it is starting a business. (sure wish I didn't skip those IT classes throughout high school!). I will be staying in the Runaway Bay area, as that's where I can live without paying rent. I would like to be somewhere else, and would prefer a safer home - but I don't know if that can be fit in the budget right now. Where are you planning on staying?
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luvvinlife
From: Jamaica
11/4/2013 14:27 EST
just throwing this out there, but Vistaprint (big co that makes most everyone's business cards) is in Mobay. big employer.
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lala718
11/4/2013 21:33 EST
Maximumgirl-if it's within your budget, get your daughter into Mt. Alvernia. They have a Prep school and a high school.
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labellalife
11/17/2013 14:36 EST
Hello! Sorry I haven't logged in for a while, I'm staying in Westmoreland Parish, Little London area. My boyfriend's house is a little cottage house and i love it, it's also very close to the beach. I'll be there for a few days at the end of this month, can't wait! HOpe you are doing well and your plans becoming a reality.
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h3ath3r86
11/19/2013 12:49 EST
Ahhhh so excited for you!! And also totally jealous lol. Have a safe trip, touch base when you're back! Things are moving along nicely (slowly tho) here for me. Hoping to be out there for February ish!
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labellalife
12/3/2013 14:37 EST
lea created a group on facebook for expats you should join if you haven't yet, here's the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/660905247273282/
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