 I worked there for 6 months then left. The signing bonus was decent, but then everything else was not up to speed. HSA is a good enough place to work, but has difficulty with giving a wage that can keep up with the cost of living. It is EXPENSIVE to live in Grand Cayman. The salary of about $43000CI tax free is NOT enough to live in comfort in Grand Cayman. Rent is $1600/month including utilities (so you'll need to find a partner or roommate that WORKS), and you will NEED a car, which will cost you $3000 for a clunker or $ up to $10, 000 for a decent car in cash or over a couple of payments. Food is expensive, and so is drinking and dining out. Go with money, so that you don't take so severe a hit in the pocketbook. And buy property as soon as you can. A decent house/condo in Georgetown, or South Sound which are both close to the hospital, will cost you $200, 000 - 400, 000. Otherwise you will end up in West Bay commuting, and living with unruly locals and other expats who can't afford a decent place in a good location. Check out the local newspapers for deals on rentals - Cayman Net News, Cayman Observer, and Cayman Compass. Go to work in Cayman during "low season" May - November, which unfortunately is also hurricane season, and you may find reasonable property rentals. Google "caymanjuice" and follow the link for rental listing and local news you won't hear about the Cayman Islands as well. Lastly, attitudes towards certain people from certain countries are very palpable. This is a country of classicism, and people are very biased towards other cultures. If you can deal with racism and attitudes from Caymanians, and Caucasians from the UK, then you will have no problems working in Cayman. If you have the qualifications, working in Alberta as a critical care Nurse will get you $110, 000/yr, and working in Toronto in the same position with a Nursing agency as an incorporated RN will make you over $120, 000/yr. In Toronto you can rent a 1BDRm apt. all inclusive for less that $1000 a month, lease a BMW 320i, and still be able to dine out, travel, and own property. |
