Jamaica- anyone worked there?
Discussion
As title, been offered an opportunity there.
Ive worked in Australia, Hong Kong and the ME before, (but never the other way) so used to ex pat living, and although honeymooned in St Lucia last year, haven't spent time in the caribbean.
Can anyone offer some insights at all?
Just for context, wasn't looking, was approached specifically and currently in a good place in my current role in London.
J
Ive worked in Australia, Hong Kong and the ME before, (but never the other way) so used to ex pat living, and although honeymooned in St Lucia last year, haven't spent time in the caribbean.
Can anyone offer some insights at all?
Just for context, wasn't looking, was approached specifically and currently in a good place in my current role in London.
J
Never been, know nothing about the country, but surely it all depends on what the job would be, whether you would be employed locally or based in another country or whether you would effectively be a contractor or self-employed. And of course your remuneration is also relevant. You may find that you are paid handsomely compared with the locals, allowing you to live very comfortably. But if you are intending to return to the UK then you need to make sure that your pay covers savings and pension contributions back home.
Not Jamaica specifically but currently working on a long-term regional project based in Barbados which has exposed me to the Caribbean way of working.
I'd say that the biggest thing is to recognise the power and importance of personal relationships. You have to work at this because it's harder for outsiders to develop these types of relationships - even if you're Black and your parents are from Jamaica, if you're a Brit, you will be seen as an outsider. But... once you get those relationships, life becomes easy.
The stereotypical view of a laid-back life is very much a real thing. Do not expect meetings, email responses or phone calls answered after lunch. If you need to speak with someone at 4pm, go to the bar, beach or home and that's where they'll be. This can be very nice... but it can also be exceptionally frustrating. Go with the flow and you'll be fine.
Bureaucracy can be a bit mind-numbing, slow and convoluted.
And keep in mind that all of the Caribbean is classed as a 'developing region'. A little away from the lavish five star resorts and golf courses, a great many people live very meagre lives and possible that you will work with some of them. If you get invited round for a BBQ, just be sympathetic to this and not rock up wearing a TAG and Ralph Lauren Polo.
Other than that, it's a lovely place to be.
I'd say that the biggest thing is to recognise the power and importance of personal relationships. You have to work at this because it's harder for outsiders to develop these types of relationships - even if you're Black and your parents are from Jamaica, if you're a Brit, you will be seen as an outsider. But... once you get those relationships, life becomes easy.
The stereotypical view of a laid-back life is very much a real thing. Do not expect meetings, email responses or phone calls answered after lunch. If you need to speak with someone at 4pm, go to the bar, beach or home and that's where they'll be. This can be very nice... but it can also be exceptionally frustrating. Go with the flow and you'll be fine.
Bureaucracy can be a bit mind-numbing, slow and convoluted.
And keep in mind that all of the Caribbean is classed as a 'developing region'. A little away from the lavish five star resorts and golf courses, a great many people live very meagre lives and possible that you will work with some of them. If you get invited round for a BBQ, just be sympathetic to this and not rock up wearing a TAG and Ralph Lauren Polo.
Other than that, it's a lovely place to be.
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