Expert: Taura Ebanks - 10/10/2011

Question
Hi,

I have been offered a job in the Cayman Islands. Its a 2 year contract, renewable depending on satifactory performance.

I have a few concerns:

- Hurricanes !! How much of a threat is it?
Also, I've been told by my potential employer that since this forms part of 'essential' services, I wouldnt be allowed to leave the island should there be a hurricane. Is it wise to accept this job having this clause?

- Cost of living? To be honest, I've been offered $61 000 (US Dollars). Is that sufficient for me and my wife to live comfortably?

- We're aroudn 30 years old .. Will it not be too boring for ppl this age?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Ahmed,

Re: Hurricanes: Hurricanes are a normal part of island living.  Just like anywhere, some places have tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis etc... and there are no guarantees as to when, frequency or what category may or may not affect the islands during hurricane season.  Having grown up here, I've experienced the small weather changes to a very big impact of a category 5. (I'm still alive :)-That said it just depends on you and your wife and what you are comfortable with.  The website below may offer more details on hurricanes and the value in preparing for them. (I've usually found that that it's after the hurricane-the recovery period that is usually most uncomfortable but looking back after hurricane Ivan in 2005, we had great resources and recovered faster than less fortunate islands would.
http://www.caymanprepared.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1143,1&_dad=portal&_schema=

Should you decide to move, (while looking for an apartment-give yourself about 2 weeks to explore the island, neighborhoods etc..before making a decision to take a place-Tell the agent that you are concerned about hurricanes as some places will be town house style, have hurricane shutters etc... and this will help them help you find the best place to live)www.thpm.ky is a great place to look for rentals and this will give you an idea on rental prices. (Ask for Julie-she is great with working within a specified budget and has access to other agency listings as well :)

Your salary is = to about a little over CI$4100 per month I'm guessing before health and pension are deducted (CI is the currency we use and this is what most things are priced in)and that means you'll probably have about $3800 CI per month of income to take home.

Re: Also, I've been told by my potential employer that since this forms part of 'essential' services, I wouldnt be allowed to leave the island should there be a hurricane. Is it wise to accept this job having this clause?-

Without knowing your job description, I can't say-If you're job is saying it's essential then perhaps you can negotiate a 2-5 business day period to get your family secure before taking on the job in the event of aftermath of a hurricane or asking why it's essential-I can't say without knowing more and it's really a personal decision only you can make.

Depending on your lifestyle will determine if that budget satisfies your personal interests and financial obligations. (Activities on island are expensive: going to the movies for 2 people would cost $22.00CI -Without snacks, but there are creative and fun ways to spend time on a budget:)

A few websites below may also offer resources (Telephone directory-cars, Immigration, stores etc...)

http://caymanislandsyp.com/
http://www.caymannewresident.com/

Re: activities: there are a lot of things to do here in Cayman,we have mostly amazing weather: diving/water sports, beautiful nature, movie theatre, a few clubs, great community opportunities to volunteer and meet new people, a diverse cultural melting pot of people, bars, churches, etc.. and we about an hour and 20 minutes from Miami flight time.

Re: