This week I’ve had two wonderful conversations with friends that I’ve known for many years. In both cases the individuals are in the midst of significant career transitions.

Earlier this week, as I was departing the train at South Station, I happened to cross paths with a gentleman that I had worked with several years ago. As we were catching up, he shared that he’d just been presented with an amazing opportunity on the West Coast. After discussing with his family, they decided that this would be a great experience for everyone. Shortly, he, his wife, and his two young girls, will be moving across the country.

The other person was in the midst of evaluating the long-term sustainability of the program she runs when she was offered an incredible opportunity to step into a significant role within the organization she works for. This new role will enable her to have broad impact while continuing to grow the program she is running.

These positions represent a significant departure from the routine that these individuals are accustomed to. Additionally, there is substantial risk associated with both opportunities. Moving across the country is a huge deal when there is a risk you will not like the new role, or that your family will not like the new living arrangement. And, while we all run the risk of failing when presented with a new opportunity, the second person above has the added pressure that her success or failure will be observed in a very public way. And yet, in both cases, they had the courage to embrace the change that was offered to them.

The interesting thing about opportunities is that they rarely come when you are looking for them, and they typically don’t resemble the career step that you envision being next. So, my question to you is, when opportunity knocks, will you answer?