I actually interviewed for a job with the Virgin Island's WAPA (Water And Power Authority) for a .NET developer's job.
The guy I was interviewing said he had one local candidate and three statesiders, of which I was one.
He said I was the most technically-skilled, but he was hesitant to hire me, because "I would get island-sick".
I assured him I would not, and he laughed. "I've seen it a hundred times. You think you are moving to paradise, but if you are not used to island life, it becomes a prison. Quickly. You would need to budget at least 3 week-long returns to the States a year, or you WILL lose it."
He ended up going with the local candidate. LOL
I visited Oahu some years ago. My hosts picked me up at the airport and drove completely around the island. Including stops to take pictures, it took 90 minutes. If you’re not really into the island lifestyle, you *will* go island happy after a while.
Yes, I have heard of Island sickness and did go back every few weeks. I think it’s more missing people back home than the Island itself though. I think most people would be fine for a long time with friends/family on the island.
I was referring more to the difficulty of working long hours when in such a beautiful place with 90% of people around you in resort mode. I’d rather work 14 hour days here than in Hawaii