However, the question of why this now? is relevant - if for nothing else, to at least have an idea about the motivation for doing, what you're about to do.
So here we go.
Professional reasons: I wanted to try out and develop a trait of my professional life by teaching Danish to university students in Poland (Yes! it IS a thing - just like studying Polish in Denmark is). Working in teacher education, I'll get a hands on experience of teaching a second language this way. A kind of walk the walk, not just do the talk. Furthermore, after more than 15 years in the same line of teaching, I needed to push myself out of the comfort zone. And, yes, I've been in this city, this university, this department as a student, so there's also a subtle point of being a Polonist crossing my tracks to the story.
Personal reasons: No, we are not splitting up. Far from (but make no mistake: this would have been jeopardous some years back). The kids are grown now, so pursuing a professional dream of this kind was possible without having to move (or abandon) the whole family in the midst of the childrens' basic education. None of my closest family or friends have expressed anything but support and encouragement. A few more distant friends have reacted in ways that would focus on the significance this would have for my professional profile. Colleagues have been supportive as well - even though we shan't have the daily raport we used to.
Except for very limited areas in life, I guess I've always been a bit unpredictable, surprising or even incomprehensible. I wear those as badges of honour.
"Aren't you just running away from this or that?" is a question I've asked myself many times. Not so much, I think. Or rather - what may start off as some sort of escape, ends up having a goal and a purpose of its own. No action has one simple explanation if you're dealing with the higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Without the sense of connection and belonging - and especially knowing where you belong - the whole question of self-actualization becomes a risky business.
Don't jump into the deep end unless you know how to swim.
