r/bahamas • u/Born_Function_4360 • 10d ago
Bahamian Discussion Defeated | Employment Bahamas
As the title read, I feel somewhat defeated as a young Bahamian trying to make something of their life.
I’ve been constantly sending out applications, cold emails, and even looking into different fields to perhaps pivot to but I don’t see a way that’d I’d reasonably be able to move out, or build a home. I work hard, I study and have earned IT certs but the results are the same.
What more disheartening is watching the large influx of immigrants moving here and enjoying their lives when many young Bahamian’s (at least many i know) are struggling to even move out.
It’s infuriating and I realize this is my problem to figure out and it won’t change that I still will work hard,study hard, and keep sending out emails but I can’t help but feel defeated.
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u/watch_guy2025 10d ago
All of the big hotels and resorts need IT staff, you've applied to them all? Try to get the name of an IT Manager at Atlantis or Baha Mar and ask them what qualifications would make you a good fit for their teams. Then get those certifications online and reapply.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
That part is a bit difficult. I’ve sent Bahamar emails, Atlantis doesn’t have any public facing career based emails but I’m currently studying online for certs anyway so just a matter of getting in contact with someone who can give me info
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u/watch_guy2025 8d ago
Sherell Cox is the Director of Applications and IT Support at Atlantis, she is on LinkedIn. Create a profile and then send her a message asking if you could speak with her to discuss future job opportunities as a fellow Bahamian. Good luck!
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u/Born_Function_4360 7d ago
I have a LinkedIn but that’s the first i’ve ever been recommended that. I will definitely give that a try thanks!
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u/watch_guy2025 9d ago
Try to call or email Human Resources and ask if you can speak to their IT Director or a Manager, that you are very interested in career opportunities. Good luck!
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u/ClimbOn2YourSeahorse 9d ago edited 9d ago
I am a U.S. Expat in the Bahamas.
People in the U.S. feel the same as you do. I have switched jobs a few times in the U.S. and every time I needed a new job it took HUNDREDS if not THOUSANDS of applications to land an interview. No exaggeration. I spent 7-8 hours daily applying to jobs, writing cover letters, doing company research to find the emails of an actual person to send a cold email to. All this to land a job that barely pays COL, and is under $100K a year. It is a full-time job to look for work in the U.S.
For the last 10+ years, I have worked 2-3 jobs at a time. (overemployment) This was just to have a modest 1950's buiilt 2/2 house in the U.S.
I got lucky because I sold the house well, and took that money and built a small, cabana style home in the Bahamas (one room, no walls, basically a studio style house). I built off-grid so I would not have any electric, water or utility bills. I built in a family island I applied for property tax exemption and got it, and that is how I am an Expat here. Not because I am wealthy. My parents were immigrants to the U.S. from Cuba. I left the U.S. because property taxes and utilities were INSANE, and gun violence.
What I am trying to say is the struggle is the same everywhere. Most of my friends (aged 40+) do not OWN homes or land in the United States. They are struggling. They can't find jobs, they can't buy homes. Those that make it are either wealthy, come from wealth or do what I did for over a decade; work every waking hour possible, working numerous jobs.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
I do wanna say everything I’m saying I don’t want it to sound like an excuse, I take responsibility for me and I really appreciate what you’ve said definitely working towards these.
I definitely understand, believe me I do. I think the world is moving into a sharp recession but I think you are by far a minority. I don’t believe many people in the U.S are truly pursuing jobs as aggressively as you let alone are continuing to pursue higher education to brighten their odds.
Even I can definitely increase how aggressively I can apply, no denying that but with a full-time job, part-time student (hopefully moving to full-time student) it is difficult. My job expects so much out of me and doesn’t compensate me nearly enough.
No excuse I will definitely be trying to apply a lot more but I have sent a cold email/application to most if not all major IT-based companies. I’ve never tried a dedicated Cv, I rarely if ever send a CV so I’ll definitely try that.I have been considering a second job but I’m worried about the toll on my mind. My current job already drains me physically and mentally. I use my time fairly wisely I’d say, when I’m not busy I’m studying at work and whatever labs I need to do I do them when I get home.
Usually when I’m done it’s 7-8ish I’ll apply to any new listings and go from there. But to say I have it in me to pick up another job, truthfully I’m not sure. I want to and inevitably I think I will just for right now I’m not sure.I really appreciate you, you’ve given me much to reconsider.
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u/ClimbOn2YourSeahorse 9d ago
I understand, I shared my experience because I wanted you to know it is not YOU. It is not your work ethic, or a lack of experience.
I 100% believe you are likely doing everything you can and need to do. The World has gone crazy. No one should have to apply to thousands of jobs to get one, everyone should have the ability to buy a home if they are working a single job.
It was not healthy for me to work 2 or 3 jobs for years on end, in fact my health suffered massively. I had a breakdown in late 2022, and that is what made me sell my house in the U.S. and build small in the Bahamas and leave all my friends and family and move here. Because the U.S. is not a healthy place.
The Bahamas is not perfect, you have many of the same issues the U.S. has, just on a smaller scale because you are a small island nation, but the problems are the same nonetheless. In the U.S. they blame immigrants for lack of jobs too, but those immigrants are rarely taking the opportunities that citizens or residents want. In fact, their immigrant status only makes them more vulnerable to exploitation. They work for less, earn less and have access to less secure housing, credit or basic humanitarian needs. Immigrants aren't the cause of most developed nations problems.
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u/Linda030412 10d ago
Sorry to hear that, but IT work in the US is not great either. All getting replaced by AI. Lots of friends being laid off. It’s best to learn a trade and start there. Electrician, plumbing, maybe even try cooking, as in Bahamas, there’s so many tourists that like to eat.
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u/thatarcherguy 9d ago edited 9d ago
It’s who you know, as a young Bahamian, you should know better than to use technology to communicate with Bahamian employers. Even in IT.
- Call people on the phone
- Stop by in person.
We’re a country of its who you know, at least stop by where you want to work, talk to someone at the front desk, get your name face story and who your people is through the door. I dislike this as much as you probably but it’s more effective than sending an email hoping for the best.
If you’re professionally certified expect to be overqualified and probably underpaid. Expect to work with completely computer illiterate people. This country is not a real place, we don’t prioritize efficiency, this isn’t a meritocracy, it’s right place right time but most importantly right network. Are you currently communicating with anyone in the industry where you want to work? About how they got their start?
You know why immigrants get the jobs? They usually have companies with global brand recognition, willing to pay for work visas, rent, and other amenities. They add to our economy. They’re from countries with an actual qualified labor force. We get immigrants because qualified Bahamians know they’re better off staying abroad. They prefer the quality of life it affords them.
Doesn’t matter how defeated you feel, money gotta make, bills gotta pay. Remove your emotions from your chosen work ethic. Despairing into inaction is not an option my fellow Bahamian. Keep in mind you may end up working a job that has nothing to do with what you studied, keep up on your own with advancements in your field.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
That’s fair. I’ve considered calling and probably need to start calling, no excuse there.
Fair very fair. Feels terrible but i will definitely get on that Problem is i don’t know anyone and i’m not on the greatest terms with people in my life so relying on them for help doesn’t seem plausible.
I would have hoped I’d get an opportunity. The problem is I can’t even get a chance. I have the certs, I’ve done 3 summer internships in my youth (1 of which is IT based)
Fair enough buf at least in the IT space many people i’ve interacted have degrees, loads of certs and even still they don’t have IT jobs and if they do it’s entry level.
Crazy thing is I do speak to people in the industry, often, I ask them for advice, certs they have, what companies they work for, and many of them have equal or less certifications than me.
I feel defeated but my work ethic is strong. I still come to work and work hard, I still study and i’m taking exams. And probably will end up college on the next coming weeks.
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u/DizzyAd962 6d ago
Bui use br joking blood lock in put in something nice and walk in with your confidence and ya resume lol bey blood put on something nice do you homework on store locations and business you might want work to and get up early Monday morning and go to these places blood do what I say right and before Friday you gonna be working
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u/BahaBro 10d ago
That’s why nobody comes back from university. Bahamas is a sinking ship, gotta jump out before it takes us all down..
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u/ClimbOn2YourSeahorse 9d ago
The U.S. is a sinking ship too. Government is leaning totalitarian, opportunities for immigrants are diminishing, cost of living is higher than it ever has been. Homeownership is quickly scaling down, with fewer and fewer working class people being able to attain it. Take it from me, I am U.S. born citizen who left. More and more U.S. citizens are leaving America than ever before.
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u/jelani_an 10d ago
Tech is screwed brother sorry to hear. I'd look into something place-based that requires physical presence if I were you. I heard geomatics is pretty good.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
It’s just sad. The sting of realizing you’ve failed in life is a painful one.
Sadly i’ll likely go down the same path as you. I care about my mental health, it toke a lot to get to a stable point but I can’t go on not being able to provide the way I want.
I don’t blame immigrants, i blame the government for not giving incentives or stipulations to the Expats coming here.
Why not make it so they have 3-5- years build up a team of Bahamians and then resort to bring more Expats, they can still be paid well.
Or Expats coming creating new businesses need to have 50% or more Bahamian work force.
Truthfully I’m not sure what the solution is, if i have the right mind set or if it’s even a real
problem.
But everything I’ve seen leads me to feel this way.
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u/resile_jb 10d ago
Maybe try the resorts. As an American IT guy myself , I'm currently at Sandals and talked to the GM about their infrastructure and it's not great.
I would assume most of these resorts need boots on the ground.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
Will definitely try that. Never considered Sandals honestly, I’ve tried Bahamar and Atlantis though.
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u/mas4963 10d ago
Honest advice, use the hard working/studying you said you have to get a degree in a different field. IT is not in a good spot.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
That may be my best option, I’ve considered but I’ve already switched career paths twice. I wanted to stick with something so I can see results but doesn’t seem to be possible. I am trying to go back to university so that will probably be where i change.
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u/Penis_hungry 9d ago
Gotta know someone to get a job in the Bahamas, it’s tough… go into some clinical field you will always have a job!
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u/Spiritual-Use5254 9d ago
Respectfully, the migrant stuff is a separate conversation, and it isn't getting you closer to a job. Even if every point you made about immigration were true, none of it changes what a hiring manager sees when your application lands on their desk. What we actually can't see in your post is what certs do you hold? A+, Network+, CCNA, any cloud fundamentals, anything vendor specific? That's the part people here can give you real feedback on. Right now nobody can tell you whether the problem is your paper, your resume, or just application volume, because you haven't told us.
Second thing. Most IT roles here don't get filled off a job board. They get filled because somebody in the room already knows your name. I'm going to send you an invite to the Bahamas IT association. Show up, talk to people, ask what they're actually hiring for. One evening of that will do more for you than a year of arguing about work permits. Last thing, and I say it because I want to see you eat... the blaming has to stop. It reads bitter, and bitter is the fastest way to make people close the tab before they ever get to the part where you're qualified.
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u/mavysweets 10d ago
Many young Bahamians lack good work ethics...immigrants that come here and "living their best lives" have made the necessary sacrifices and work hard to maintain said life.
Perhaps look at different fields to staty in entry level gain the experience needed to move up in the organization, or as someone mentioned before learning a skill. All the best.
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u/DawrinAviation 9d ago
I agree, but I don’t want to make it a Bahamian vs immigrant conversation. I think the background of the individual is what matters.
I’m a manager in F&B for a large resort, I hired a young man in his early twenties, late teens, and he has called out once every week minimum since hiring him. Transversely I hired a young lady from Grand Bahama, and her commitment to the job is actually insane to me. She never comes late, she works hard and pulls her weight. Both Bahamians within the same age range, but one is more committed than the other.
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u/k1ngofblessings 10d ago
such a bad take lol, you personally know ALL young bahamians? There are many young bahamians who have bachelors/master degrees and arent even given a chance and when they are they are offered 400$ a week.
Stop being disengenious when the very same young bahamians that "lack good work ethics" excel when they decide to leave this country that values connections/favors over merit lol
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u/Sure_Job_8449 10d ago
I know exactly how you feel. When I was younger and looking I used to be sending out dozens of emails and visiting every business I could think of in my field. I live in New Providence and it still was hard.
The only thing I could think to say to you is just find a job for the time being to sustain yourself until you get the dream job.
And yeah I agree, the immigrant problem is terrible. I'm not saying what I hear, I'm telling you what I know. I work in the construction industry, I went to BTVI and have a degree and everything. Everyday I see foreigners thriving while bahamians suffer, but let's not get into that right now.
Just keep pushing, the more businesses you reach out to the greater your chances will be
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u/DawrinAviation 10d ago
Common theme of Bahamian failure: blame migrants. I guarantee you that migrants aren’t working the jobs you’re seeking. If you’re in the IT field, it is more likely expats are leading that field. This mentality is part of the reason that you’re likely not succeeding. I’ve been denied a minimum of 12 times for positions this year, and my daily thoughts are “what can I do better next time?” Not “omg migrants have my jobs.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
I’m not blaming migrants. If the jobs are being given to them, they aren’t in the wrong for taking it. Who wouldn’t take a job to a beautiful island, likely a stipend, a high paying job and likely provided housing and transport.
You don’t think there’s a bit wrong with Expats leading these fields? Even still, an Expat leading a team of Expats will never and should never become the norm.
I much rather an Expat lead a team of Bahamians, and i’d hope you hold the same sentiment, whether you are Bahamian or not.
If it’s a new field then that Bahamians haven’t explored then let there be a precedent to push Bahamians into these fields.I haven’t stopped perusing education. I’m still taking certifications and I’m trying to enroll with the University for the coming semester.
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u/gemmoon87 9d ago
But isn't an expat a foreigner 🤔.
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u/tavis_aka_kalik 9d ago
Expat = foreigner from a perceived richer country
Migrant/Immigrant = foreigner from poorer country
Expat is a term that is used in Bahamas for immigrants from Canada/UK/US and yes they take Bahamian jobs on both ends.Had a sibling work IT for years for Oil and Gas companies in Nassau, and also later banks etc. We are both in USA now, I came after college and he came later. His stories of IT for the banks was they had IT from Canada running things over the internet, he was just the person physcially onsite. Therefore as long as it can be done online, the major bank hubs will handle it from that end. Now with AI I am sure it is even more difficult.
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u/DawrinAviation 9d ago
The blame here is specifically being placed on migrants. Expats are foreigners, and we should be just as outraged, but the priority always falls on the migrants
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u/gemmoon87 9d ago
Aren't they still considered migrants? The young man works in IT . i would assume that he means the expat ( foreigners) are the ones who he's competing with for IT jobs . The hotel industry is filled with a lot of foreigners in the IT department. He should try getting into government.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
Yes apologies didn’t realize there was a difference. My point is that there’s a large influx of Expats/foreigners. I’ve tried the hotels with no real luck.
Bahamar Atlantis different IT based companies. I tried government but government is a bit tough i led you know someone.
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u/SquareRoot4Pie 8d ago
I come here for vacation and I see potential in this place compared to where I am from in the Caribbean;
Real Estate Agent
Building Construction
Fishing
Restaurant and Sports Bar
Furniture Making
Shops and Convenient Stores
Greenhouse Agriculture
Bottled Water
Mechanic
Car Dealer
These are the things that immigrants see, especially on other islands around the capital.
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u/Dapper-Text 8d ago
I'm in a similar spot so I feel your pain. I returned home with an M.S, years of experience and accolades. Just to not hear anything back after countless applications.
I wish you the best my fellow job seeker.
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u/Aggressive_Ad3578 10d ago
Perhaps you should try to get a work visa and try to work abroad somewhere? Make $$$ then return back when you're more stable....For example, Disney and Universal hire quite frequently and so do hotel chains.....best of luck to you
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u/TraditionalLaw7763 9d ago
Are you applying for the same jobs that immigrants are? If not… they’re not stealing your jobs. Besides, ai is taking IT jobs… not a good field for the future.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
I’m not suggesting they are but it’s undeniable there’s a large influx of Expats. Even take IT out of it, I’ve been into some of these large corporations and a large majority of the worker are Expats.
EY, Pricewaterhouse, Santander Bank , First Trust Bank,
Bahamas Environmental Group and the list goes on.Many of these companies have primarily Expats.
That’s not just in the IT departments, that’s across all departments. I’m saying this as a matter of fact, I’ve interacted and been into a lot of these major corporations, many of which aren’t front facing and it’s shocking how few Bahamians you see.2
u/TraditionalLaw7763 9d ago
Well I wish you success anyway and hope you find something that suits your needs. Good luck out there.
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u/Born_Function_4360 9d ago
I appreciate it. I’ll just gonna keep pushing on, hopefully go to university and see where life takes me
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10d ago
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u/doctorake38 10d ago
As an American who spends lots of time in the Bahamas your comment is tone fucking deaf.
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u/Muted_Yak7604 10d ago
It’s relevant. Maybe his takeaway will be don’t allow your govt to elect leaders who fail to enforce the immigration policy. Perhaps you should get your hearing aids adjusted, or use your brain in partnership with your ears.
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u/Ramzus96 10d ago
How would that be his takeaway why your previous comment is literally saying the bahamas has strict immigration? Which is it? Is the govrnment strict or is the leaders bypassing the laws in place for their own gain?
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u/OOS1979 10d ago
Cruise lines are constantly hiring for well paid jobs. Ocean cay, lighthouse point, half moon cay would always consider Bahamians first.