Couple of points.
1. People on here are talking as if lots of time away is a new thing. Talking to my dad about his time doing the same job in the 60's he definitely spent a lot more time away, in far larger chunks, too.
2. If you PVR, it is not necessary to work the full 12months. They will tell you it is, but it isn't. This has been pressed to tested recently by a couple of mates of mine.