Accompanied Or Unnacompanied - That Is The Question

So far I've been here right about 3 months. It's been a lot of fun, there is no shortage of things to do. Especially if you like to be outside. I'm still learning the ropes as to how everything works and meeting new people almost daily.

The biggest piece of advice I'd like to offer anyone thinking about coming out here though is this; if you are not single before you arrive, make sure your partner can definitely get a job or if you are married, don't come unless you can get an accompanied status, a house from the start and can bring your spouse out with you at the same time you arrive.

This is a tough place to be by yourself. It's very small. Even though you have lots of people around you at all times, it can still be lonely. And getting your partner here after the fact can be difficult depending on the circumstances.

For some reason, it seems it is more difficult to get a house and/or accompanied status once you are already on the island. I know of one person that has been here for many years that is getting married soon and they will have to continue living in the BQ's. Another gentleman came out in an accompanied status but couldn't bring his wife right away, he is now caught in an endless waiting cycle trying to get housing so he can get here out here. I have many examples but the part that is most confusing is that I also know of new people that have arrived on island since I've been here that have brought their non-working spouse and have gotten housing. I have no idea how they pulled that off.

So just be aware; housing is a problem out here and you should make sure in your negotiations that if you are in a relationship, you address that before you take a job here. Being stuck here while your significant other is halfway around the world is not a fun position to be in.