Leanne R, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Central Maine

Having a growing career and family all at once can be hard. In rural Maine, it doesn’t have to be.

Expand your skills as a healthcare professional without sacrificing what matters most.

What makes working in central Maine different from other places?

Due to the fact that we live in a less-populated area, we tend to have smaller caseloads. This gives me the opportunity to build better relationships with my patients and ultimately provide better care. It’s really rewarding to serve them and know I’m making a big difference.

Another great benefit of working in rural areas is your ability to provide a broader range of services. In a city, certain tasks might be sent out to several different individuals, but here, you’re able to enhance many other skills that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. I’ve really had the opportunity to grow in my career. 

What is it like raising a family in Maine?

Maine affords me that work-life balance. Working here allows me to spend quality time with my two children, ages 13 and 9, who are very active in their community, sports, and school. Because of the proximity of where work and home are, I’m able to have flexibility in my schedule. I don’t have to miss the little things, like school field trips, band concerts, or softball games.

Plus, there’s so much to do in Maine. We have all four seasons, the coast, the lakes, and the mountains. Every summer, we travel up to Rangeley or Moosehead Lake and go camping. My kids love to keep track of how many moose we can spot while we’re there. Seeing the wildlife in action is extraordinary and something you wouldn’t get to see in a city setting. 

And the safety of Maine is unbeatable. I’m comfortable with my children riding their bikes on the road or walking to their friends’ houses. 

What’s something people tend to get wrong about Maine?

I think people tend to assume all of Maine is rural, but that’s not exactly true. We have our urban areas, we have our suburban areas, and we also have those more remote areas. In two hours, I can practically be anywhere.