I want to move to Jamaica - Jamaica Talk

estertasteteste · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 02:15 PM

Hi I want to move to Jamaica. I am a 27 year old white woman, with a passport. I have not started applying for a work permit because I am under the impression that I need to find a job first. I don't want to go somewhere big, but I'm afriad if I live in a small town it will be too dangerous or will have too extreme living conditions.

Can anyone tell me where to start? I want to move there in the worst way. I live in southeast Florida right now.

Thanks!

Jamaica Miss · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 10:25 PM

There are several threads just below your posted one that should answer all your questions. Many people have requested the board's help in moving and you need to read the other threads first. Then if by any chance we have not covered what you want to know, request it again in this thread and someone will try to answer you.

Jomo's girl · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 09:38 AM

Pay special attention to Alex93's posts. He makes a lot of sense in his warnings.

Alex93 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estertasteteste

Hi I want to move to Jamaica. I am a 27 year old white woman, with a passport. I have not started applying for a work permit because I am under the impression that I need to find a job first. I don't want to go somewhere big, but I'm afriad if I live in a small town it will be too dangerous or will have too extreme living conditions.

Can anyone tell me where to start? I want to move there in the worst way. I live in southeast Florida right now.

Thanks!

Jomo's Girl,
Thanks for the Big-up. Nuff Respek.

Ester...
I feel you.
I'll do a little cut and paste (below) to save you the trouble
Peace

-Alex

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex93

Jamaica is a beautiful place to visit; much more spectacular and romantic than even what you have seen in ...(the movies). But (like any other country) that is only one side of it.

As far as living in Jamaica:
1. Unemployment rate in Jamaica is VERY high.
2. Even as a professional, its very difficult to find a job. And when you do, the compensation is so low that you are just merely making ends meet.
3. There is no social services that will provide unemployment benefits.

Personally, I would only encourage someone to live in Jamaica under the following conditions:
1. You are retired with some meaningful nestegg that you can live on.
2. You plan to start your own business there AND you have already confirmed the viability for success in that area of business.
3. You have a business or other source of investment elsewhere.
4. You have a medical (Doctor) degree or a technology background (Computer Engineer/Analyst/Programmer); those are in relatively high demand.
5. You met and fell in love with a local who is financially stable.

The bottom line is, Jamaica is a wonderful place to visit but not to live if you are not financially secure.
I apologize if I have cast a dim shadow over your prospects but reality is not always bright.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to pay a visit, do your own local research, then draw your conclusions. Whatever decisions you make: May it bring your unlimited success.

Y'all,
Has anyone seen the Jamaican movies: DanceHall Queen http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...v=glance&n=130

or Third World Cop?http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/630...v=glance&n=130

If you REALLY want to see the inside of Jamaica, watch those two movies; then give me your feedback.
They are (at times) VERY heavy in the Jamaican accent so for those who are not fully conversant, you may have to watch it a coupla times before you can relate. It's also an excellent primer for those who wish to hear the spoken language, see the REAL yard-style reggae dance and rhytmns .
I GUARANTEE you will all enjoy them to the MAX!

Peace

Alex

Jomo's girl · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 11:27 AM

No prob, Alex. I have been to Jamaica enough times and traveled enough of the countryside to know it isn't all lush beauty and drunken fun times all the time. You have writen what I couldn't think to put into words. Your wisdom should be seen for what it is.......experience and not negativity for the sake of negativity. And, it should be heeded by anyone wanting to move to Jamaica. While it is not impossible to move to Jamaica, it would be very difficult and expensive.

I told Jomo what you have said and he agreed completely. He want so far as to say that Jamaica is great if you have grown up accustomed to it; but should never even be attempted by anyone from the US. Now that he has seen how I/we live, he has a whole different opinion on the differences.

Jamaica Miss has made some very good points in posts, as well. Her advice is very wise as well. (Saw some pictures of you and yours, JM, from Tia's scrapbooks. Very nice!)

Alex93 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jomo's girl

No prob, Alex. I have been to Jamaica enough times and traveled enough of the countryside to know it isn't all lush beauty and drunken fun times all the time. You have writen what I couldn't think to put into words. Your wisdom should be seen for what it is.......experience and not negativity for the sake of negativity. And, it should be heeded by anyone wanting to move to Jamaica. While it is not impossible to move to Jamaica, it would be very difficult and expensive.

I told Jomo what you have said and he agreed completely. He want so far as to say that Jamaica is great if you have grown up accustomed to it; but should never even be attempted by anyone from the US.

I agree.
As a honorary ambassador to Jamaica, I often feel torn in opposite directions when I meet people who are captivated by enchantement of Jamaica and want so badly to move there but have no idea of the REALITY of it all.

Jamaica is not like Hollywood where, the splendors and magic are all make-believe on the set. It really IS as wonderful!
The sad thing is though, is that the splendor fades as the reality of expenses kicks you in the butt.

Logic poses this question: With all the wonders and splendors that we have in Jamaica, why are so many of us natives living overseas?

Its certainly not because we are tired of paradise...

I LOVE Jamaica and wish everyone could live ( or at least, visit) there.
But Fantasy is one thing..Reality another.

Peace.

Alex93

chynawitch · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 01:16 PM

Iz money alone mek me noh live deh!!

damswell · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 01:26 PM

I agree with everything that has been said. I lived in Jamaica for 2 years and know first hand things are hard there. Rupert and I always joke that a dollar is a doller there no change given! It is hard to make ends meet there, the amount of work that needs to be done just to get by. Don't get me wrong I wouldnt change a thing, loved it while I was there, but I do know that since Rupert and I moved to Uk and finally here to Canada, he too has said its nice to visit but he would not be there full-time. We will always winter in Jamaica no question there!

Alex93 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chynawitch

Iz money alone mek me noh live deh!!

Yu tel dem CW!

-Alex93

missty1029 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2006, 09:27 PM

I think I have seen alot and no I dont know first hand what its like to actually live there. But I dont see why its so hard.
Financial stability applies to anywhere you live. I know if I have a job here that is tons over what someone makes there I still have tons of expenses to go with it. I myself am trying to live a simple life because I need some sanity and it seems in JA things are simple. Maybe its not because people want to but they have to. I know plenty of people who come here for a better living and still work two jobs have tons of bills that have to be paid or cant be paid.
Not to discount any warnings believe me we all have to understand JA is not only about that hotel you stay in. But to play devils advocate is it the economic system of more so the govt?

Jomo's girl · #11 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 09:24 AM

It's a little of both, Misty.

A big problem for you will be the job situation. Unless you are really specialized, you will have issues getting a job. The pay is subpar to what we are used to. Jamaicans are given preferential treatment in the job market (not knocking this-think it is how it should be-just stating a fact). There are many people and few jobs to go around. The job market is mostly dependent on the tourist trade. Many factors effect that trade such as the economic power of the tourists themselves, weather, etc.

You are correct, I think, in that times are hard everywhere. And, most times expenses seem to multiply as your pay increases. However, I believe Jamaica would be a fairly expensive place to live permanently IF you cannot give up a lot of what you now take for granted.

I think if I were thinking of moving there permanently, I would take it in small doses first.....maybe a few months at a time to kind of test the waters.

damswell · #12 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 10:41 AM

I think the main reason it can be so hard is that even though you may work hard and yes "a farrin" you make work hard too. In Jamaica its costs money for every little thing. Everyone expects something in return. I remember when Rupert worked at the hotel, 80% of his pay went to getting to work and back, thanks god we had lots of fruit trees, cause believe me we had no money! Even if your family can help, you still have to contribute back to them to help them out in return, weather its food, money, or paying the light bill. Most people unless they are wealthy struggle day in and day out to just get by and feed their family. Jamaicans are a proud society and I love that about them, people will help if they can but will always expect something down the line at some point. Thats just been my experience and my opinion.

missty1029 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jomo's girl

It's a little of both, Misty.

A big problem for you will be the job situation. Unless you are really specialized, you will have issues getting a job. The pay is subpar to what we are used to. Jamaicans are given preferential treatment in the job market (not knocking this-think it is how it should be-just stating a fact). There are many people and few jobs to go around. The job market is mostly dependent on the tourist trade. Many factors effect that trade such as the economic power of the tourists themselves, weather, etc.

You are correct, I think, in that times are hard everywhere. And, most times expenses seem to multiply as your pay increases. However, I believe Jamaica would be a fairly expensive place to live permanently IF you cannot give up a lot of what you now take for granted.

I think if I were thinking of moving there permanently, I would take it in small doses first.....maybe a few months at a time to kind of test the waters.

I love the points you made giving up what you take for granted!
That is the heart of so much. I mean I lost my job two years ago and I am still getting back on my feet. Because of that loss I learned to live without a lot of things I thought I needed. I stopped shopping so much when I go to the store I think everything is expensive!!!!!!

The other part for me is the whole job situation. I dont believe in working for someone else. I am a business owner and will be one till I die!!!! Its not easy believe me, but I think there is such a difference between the worker and the business owner mentality. My honey he works but after long discussions he has the mind of a business owner. Its funny while i was there I told him some ideas just the basic and he would expand on it to show how to grow and make it work. You dont find a lot of people like that. So its with that that I hope to make living in JA a success. When will I move who knows, but your right small doses at first.

Jomo's girl · #14 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 10:55 AM

What kind of business are you talking, Misty?

missty1029 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-03-2006, 11:17 AM

ah my motto is mutiple streams of income.
in JA taxis, vacation rentals, stores, restaurant.
I know all different people who run taxi, have villas, own stores so my trips are filled with gaining knowledge and insite. I also know someone who is into exporting so thats another avenue.
In the states, I have an entertainment company.