I'm an expat working in tech. I just started my first job a few months ago. I asked my boss if I can work from home for some time during Christmas so I can spend a few weeks with family. He said “no problem, go ahead!”.
And I thought to myself, “wow this is a progressive employer, I feel motivated to work here”. Multiple times I was told by my boss that my work was really good, and he was super impressed.
A week later he comes back to me saying “actually I spoke to my boss and he is not in support of this. It's too early for you. So you are not allowed to go”.
Keep in mind we do have a work from home policy of 2 days a week. All I was asking for was if I could work from office all days while I'm here, and collect and use the wfh days together in the winter. Is that really such a big ask?
How can these people hire expats, and expect them to endlessly stay away from home, and family for months on end? Do I not have the right of wanting to spend the holidays with my family?
I'm now so so demotivated to work here. I hate the thought of needing to be “allowed” to visit home for a meaningful amount of time. Sure I can use my few vacation day but I don't want to spend all the money and fly across the world for a few days.
Any advice? I'm full of impulsive bad ideas, so I'm all ears for what you have to say!