I work in accountancy and have been on the job constantly since graduating from college seven years ago. I am feeling a bit jaded at this point and I am considering taking a year out to work as a volunteer in the NGO sector. I have approached a number of organisations and all the proposals made to me entail working abroad. Financially, I can afford to step away from the job for a year. I am, however, concerned about how it might affect my career, particularly as I have yet to raise the matter with my employer. What advice would you give someone in my situation?