Do Good, Feel Good

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to over come during this move, is what am I going to do to stay busy.

I literally gave up everything, my job, my friends, all my favourite food places. It has been a huge struggle to remain positive and busy!

Jobs on the island require a work permit, and finding jobs that will pay for that can be hard. My background is in customer service management and training and there are a lot of the customer service jobs are in small, tourist based shops on the island. Unfortunately, they won’t hire you if you need a permit as it just costs them too much. This has definitely been the hardest piece of the move.

I know I will get a job, it’s just a matter of finding that right one. But until then, what do I do to keep busy?

Volunteer Work

One thing that became quite clear very quickly was that volunteer work on the island is very important. Not only does it help make the whole society better, but people are genuinely proud to volunteer.

In fact, if you don’t volunteer, that is generally frowned at. It is considered your duty to get out into the community and help, even in a small way.

Volunteering also has the added benefit of getting out of the house, meeting people and seeing new places on the island.

The selfish piece of this, is that volunteer work counts towards your permeant residency status. You definitely can’t wait until you apply for your PR to try to get your required hours. Definitely better, all around, to start early!

Pick Your Organization

Given that there is a large amount of available volunteer work, you can decide what you want to do.

Do you want to work with animals, at the hospital, in the arts community? There are so many areas to choose from. And you don’t have to pick one!! you can volunteer for more that one place, just be sure of your time commitment.

I personally chose a cause that is close and meaningful to me, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.

Crafts For A Cause

When I moved, I had to give up small craft business for a number of reasons I wont get into. I have a lot of product and supplies, and I had no idea what to do with them!

In talking to the lovely folks at C.I.C.S, I realized, I could raise some money for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society by not only volunteering my time, but my craft items as well.

I got to set up the table, talk to folks about the good work that the organization does and tell people about the small handmade items. So many people were thrilled that the items were not only hand made but that all the money went directly to the organization.

I was so excited by this!! I actually miss making things for the sake of making them. I miss the joy of gift giving. I was so happy that my small, gift-able crafts were a hit at the holidays and I was able to raise money for a great cause.

Good Things To Come

Volunteering has helped me get out, meet people and make some connections.

Apparently this is the best way to also find a job. You can meet so many people at various events and you never know where it will lead!

This is the best way for me to really make this place my home. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.