> things having changed when you get back.
> I'm not so sure that's the big issue.
If you spend enough time abroad, it will always change your personality.
As for handling changes to your home country upon your return, it really depends on the situation. A San Francisco native who leaves in 1972 and returns in 1979 wouldn't have much trouble, compared to one who who leaves in 1962 and returns in 1969. It would be pretty disorienting to find your hometown now has a radically different culture.
That said, I have no opinion on which is a bigger issue.
As for handling changes to your home country upon your return, it really depends on the situation. A San Francisco native who leaves in 1972 and returns in 1979 wouldn't have much trouble, compared to one who who leaves in 1962 and returns in 1969. It would be pretty disorienting to find your hometown now has a radically different culture.
That said, I have no opinion on which is a bigger issue.