Be wary and check them out thoroughly, though - some will use you up and spit you out, just like any other business…

Keep saving no matter what you do… I just left a pretty good paying job that was driving me nuts (middle-management hell).
The only reason I can afford to do this AND take a little time to find a new job is because I bought a duplex house (years ago) and rent on the other unit basically pays the mortgage… so I’ve been able to save. It’s worth considering if you’re planning on sticking around. Maybe a little farther from Portland? The house isn’t best location, neighborhood… but it was affordable - the key to any purchase ever.

I think that’s the beauty of it - it all depends on the locale and ownership, so each one is distinctly different. ‘Cen-ah Sto-ah’ in Phippsburg has 2 old analog gas pumps and the best pizza, sandwiches and sweets around, made by the staff every day. Wouldn’t trade it for the manufactured grub from a 7-11, CircleK, RustyLantern, WaWa, or any of the others… Clippa Maht seems to do ok here on Rt1 in the Midcoast, too. (Locally owned… )

Said a recent former governor of ours…