At this point in the year, many of us are experiencing a renewed sense of job stagnation. The optimism and enthusiasm for new possibilities brought about by the new year are beginning to fade and the longing for a vacation on a remote tropical beach, without email, is increasing. If things are not particularly bad, but not particularly good either, perhaps relocating to a new position in an entirely new country is worth a try!
Although this sounds like a rather extreme reaction to the mid-season blues, Emily Sohn makes a compelling case for packing up your bags in her article Global Jobs: A Taste for Travel. While there is a prevalent concept that early- career scientists are expected to travel for both study and work opportunities, scientists at all levels of their career find that relocating can lead to new collaboration networks, new techniques, and even a fresh perspective on current work. Sohn does caution that moving can be an isolating and overwhelming experience and offers tips to help make the transition easier - although the tip "accept every social invitation that you receive" is sound advice for expanding current social circles as well. If uprooting to a new country is not appealing, take some time to explore opportunities to transfer to a new office or location within your current organization!