I was recently contacted by a long lost friend, you know, the kind that doesn't seem like you were ever out-of-touch. She was excited about her process of preparing for a sabbatical year in Spain. Her husband will be a visiting professor at a university.  Among other things, she will have the tasks of helping her daughter discover and settle into kindergarten. My friend also aims to find a part-time Spanish pre-school for her son. This friend admits the prospect of the change appeals because of her sense of adventure. Not surprising, coming from a former, 'bush pilot.'

This story reminds me how people regularly stumble in life to seize unexpected opportunities and can be very happy about it. Why is it, do you think, that uncertainty about the next job or how to cope with change, can be so stimulating for some of us and so frightening for others? Why is it that some people would jump at the chance to experience a new work setting, perhaps even in a different country, while others would shun or fear the idea without a second thought?

To get right down to what matters, think of your priorities and how you would be apt to react. If someone offered you the chance to go on a sabbatical, such as working in your field in a different office or foreign workspace, your decision would be based very much on your personality and perception of change. Whether or not you sense this will work for you ro not would depend on many factors. 

1)  Would your old job be available upon your return?  You may have thoughts on job security. Depending on your seniority where you are, you will likely desire to know how a year away would impact the job and salary you have. It may be hard for a company to guarantee the exact same position. Yet, keep in mind that inter-state or international experience would build your portfolio, possibly lead to promotions, and strengthen your abilities to broaden your options.

2)  How would your family react?Its important to realize that a geographic move may not only have implications for you.  Consider your partner. What would they do where you're going? Would an office transfer be an option or would your partner be willing to do something esle? What about your kids? How would you go about uprooting them from school and find temporary new ones? Whether your family is supportive, decides to stay behind or even favors their own personal change, is key. You may feel change would be good for your family. Would they agree?

3) What are your underlying motives? Some people actively investigate sabbatical options because they desire change, escape from the mundane or, wish to undertake soul-searching. A year away from what you do now may enable you to write that book you've always wanted to write. It may enable you to collaborate on research with colleagues that would have mutual benefits. You may have obligations to your current workplace, such as publishing papers, making conference presentations or other 'results' to prove you've been productive while away. You may simply plan to do something completely different than before, like missionay work, crisi relief work or remote non-profit projects, so as to return to your life with new perspectives.

No matter what you choose to do while on sabbatical, you will evolve and see yourself and the world very different than when you left. I know one woman who gave up her former job after sabbatical and changed her whole life focus. All experience promotes self-development if you remain open to possibilities. Taking risks to explore the unknown can certainly be good for the soul.