I'm heading for Maine, and I need help! (Portland, Lewiston: fit in, apartment)

[Asta]

Hi everyone –

I need to relocate to the Brunswick area soon, and I would appreciate comments and suggestions on how to make my transition easier. I am not very familiar with the Brunswick area, so I am kind of at a disadvantage, and my finances are limited. I wonder if anyone can offer me some suggestions or leads on where to look and what resources are out there that could help me. My life has turned completely around all of a sudden, and I am a little overwhelmed at all of this! I’m kind of nervous as the prospect of leaving a secure job and a familiar area and relocating, but my parents retired to Brunswick a few years ago, and now they need my help.

My biggest concern right now is finding a job before I make the move. I currently work as a medical transcriptionist at a psychiatric hospital, but I would be willing to explore other opportunities. How is the job situation there? I also need to find an apartment for myself and my two cats.

I am so glad I found this forum! I have read through a number of the threads and found everyone’s comments so informative and enjoyable! Thank you!

[flycessna]

Well, If you have to come to Maine and need to find employment and such than bruswick is a good location. The Bruswick to Portland area has most of the better employment opportunities. I would assume you know how to "look" for work in your field...but I would suggest not to get too discouraged if you cannot find anything right away. You have a history of employment, and an ability to learn and apply knowledge with your background in Medical Transcription....don't sell your self short...I can think of a lot of office type work you could fit into. Maine's economy is not the strongest......but the medical field is probably one the strongest here. Also,,,BIW in Bath/Brunswisk is always hiring for soemthing. google BIW.

As far as rent is concerned....you might be best off to stay with your folks while you look...there will be plenty of rents but coming here for a weekend or something you might end up taking something you don't want..not to mentioned you'll want to be secure in a job before you sign a lease. Generally the closer to Portland the more expensive the rent...though I have been suprised at rents in even places like Lisbon. As far as the cats are concerned....it will be a hit or miss whether or not they will allow them....a few hints from a landlord myself...1st cats a way better than dogs, and 2nd dress nice, be professional, be honest....I always look at how someone takes care of themselves to get an idea how they take care of a pet.

So do not worry too much....Brunswick is a nice town and the whole area to portland is pretty nice.

[msina]

Here's a quick link for the area classifieds

Times Record Classified

[Asta]

Thanks, flycessna and msina. I appreciate your suggestions! I know that I may not find work in my field right away, but I am willing to explore other opportunities to make ends meet. Besides, it might open up doors to new possibilities! I am sure there are some career centers up there, or maybe some temp. agencies, that could also point me in the right direction (?) I will also explore BIW; it hadn't occurred to me!

My parents have simultaneously experienced significant health problems and have moved to assisted living within the past month. Hence my need to relocate to be near them. Yikes!!! I might end up in a motel!!!! My cats are two precious Himalayans, who would be sitting on thrones eating caviar if they had their druthers! Thank you for your suggestion, as a landlord, on how to make a good first impression!

My father is retired Air Force, full bird colonel. Hence their decision to retire to Brunswick. I'm glad they did. From what I have seen of the area (as a humble tourist), it is really lovely. I am just so nervous. But once I get up there, I will probably wish I had done it sooner! Thanks for the encouragement.

[Boomerang]

Yep, as Msina suggests I'd check the Times Record for rentals and jobs. Also Craigslist-Maine for rentals. You're in luck that it's easier to find rentals with cats than dogs. You may be pleasantly surprised by the cost of rentals compared to wherever you live now. It's not too bad.

Brunswick is within commuting distance of a number of hospitals, starting with Midcoast Hospital right in B'wick. I try to stay healthy so I can't list all the medical centers for you here, but if you try the online Yellow or Superpages you'll find a lot.

Also try the State of Maine online job search...JobsinMaine....Monster....as well as the Portland Press Herald and free local newspapers.

[dmyankee]

Go to the Hospital websites and look in the employment sections. There are usually dozens of jobs as unit secretaries.

[Asta]

Wow, thanks for the suggestions!!! I knew this was the right place to come to!

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by Asta

... My father is retired Air Force, full bird colonel. Hence their decision to retire to Brunswick. I'm glad they did. From what I have seen of the area (as a humble tourist), it is really lovely. I am just so nervous. But once I get up there, I will probably wish I had done it sooner! Thanks for the encouragement.

Maine seems to have a lot of retired military through-out the state.

Your dad would have gotten excellent care and benefits living most anywhere in Maine.

[flycessna]

Asta, sorry to hear of your parents health problems, they are very lucky to have you in their lives. The career center in Lewiston, the only one I have been too, is a great place to start. There is a LOT of companies that almost hire exclusively through them. There is one in Portland....and I have not been there..but...some people have told me that they found Lewiston's to be much better. In anycase....it's certainly worth checking out.

[Asta]

forest beekeeper, Even though he retired, he stayed very active in flying and on base right up until just recently. He kept his plane at Hanscom, then had to move it to Pease, and finally up to Brunswick. He had the resources to travel and live anywhere he wanted, and he chose Brunswick. I guess all native New Englanders eventually return home!

I am looking in the Portland area too, though I find the thought of living in a city again a little daunting. Does the cost of living tend to go down as one travels north, say, towards Augusta? The career center in Lewiston, great suggestion! And it's not too far from Brunswick! I feel better now!