Hi All,
I've been lurking for a couple weeks now, reading and researching before joining and posting.
I'll try to keep a long story short -
I'm fairly young (< 30), working as a full time graphic and web developer, as well as freelance wedding and event photographer based out of North Carolina. I grew up with a mother who loved the Caribbean, so am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to 18 different islands. Somewhere along the way, I got it in my head that I wanted to move there. My most recent adventure was to Punta Cana, and while I usually fall in love with the scenery, here I fell in love with the people. Of all the islands I've been to, I've never met so many with a consistently positive and happy attitude, and as such it has put RD at the top of my list of where in the Caribbean I'd like to move.
So far, I've found plenty of research and stories about retirees that have successfully and happily relocated, but I haven't found many with relate-able situations. Are there others out there who have wanted to or have successfully moved and found a job? If so, were you able to secure a job beforehand? As far as jobs go in the US, it's typically hard to get a job unless you're already located in the area... can you even obtain a residency visa without knowing/having a place of work first?
I'm aware that I'm in the "honeymoon" phase with Punta Cana - and my skills also appear to be in higher demand in Santo Domingo. How much different are the two? I would definitely make a return trip before accepting anything there, but am curious if I should expect a completely different reception than the Punta Cana treatment.
As an aside, I do know intermediate level Spanish and was able to converse (albeit very slowly) with locals during my visit.
I have loads more questions, but I'll try to reserve some for when I'm further in the planning process. Preferably, I don't need the, "I'd advise you not to..." or "Have you considered the power outages, the heat, the water shortages (and process for how to properly boil it)..."s. I've done enough research to be past unrealistic expectations and still would take life there over the monotony of America any day.
Thank you all for any input you may have!!
I've been lurking for a couple weeks now, reading and researching before joining and posting.
I'll try to keep a long story short -
I'm fairly young (< 30), working as a full time graphic and web developer, as well as freelance wedding and event photographer based out of North Carolina. I grew up with a mother who loved the Caribbean, so am fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to 18 different islands. Somewhere along the way, I got it in my head that I wanted to move there. My most recent adventure was to Punta Cana, and while I usually fall in love with the scenery, here I fell in love with the people. Of all the islands I've been to, I've never met so many with a consistently positive and happy attitude, and as such it has put RD at the top of my list of where in the Caribbean I'd like to move.
So far, I've found plenty of research and stories about retirees that have successfully and happily relocated, but I haven't found many with relate-able situations. Are there others out there who have wanted to or have successfully moved and found a job? If so, were you able to secure a job beforehand? As far as jobs go in the US, it's typically hard to get a job unless you're already located in the area... can you even obtain a residency visa without knowing/having a place of work first?
I'm aware that I'm in the "honeymoon" phase with Punta Cana - and my skills also appear to be in higher demand in Santo Domingo. How much different are the two? I would definitely make a return trip before accepting anything there, but am curious if I should expect a completely different reception than the Punta Cana treatment.
As an aside, I do know intermediate level Spanish and was able to converse (albeit very slowly) with locals during my visit.
I have loads more questions, but I'll try to reserve some for when I'm further in the planning process. Preferably, I don't need the, "I'd advise you not to..." or "Have you considered the power outages, the heat, the water shortages (and process for how to properly boil it)..."s. I've done enough research to be past unrealistic expectations and still would take life there over the monotony of America any day.
Thank you all for any input you may have!!