Hey guys,
I work in a school in Shanghai. Shanghai is not doing well right now with the lockdown, food shortages, and general havoc. I told my bosses I want to leave the country and continue online work (we have been online for around 2 months already), but they are insisting I can only go if there is a death in the family. Safety should be a valid reason but apparently not. They are also trying to guilt-trip me into staying and shame me that my situation is not so bad compared to others in Shanghai and that I am abandoning my team and students while they are fighting COVID.
Now… I would like to finish the school year and be paid for it and I would like my sweet sweet summer pay (to get that, I would have to give my 1 month's notice in July I think). How should I play this? I can compromise on summer pay… I originally straight up asked the consequences of leaving the country (like if they would have to fire me) but they beat around the bush and just refer to their rule. I know they don't want to change their teacher this close to the end of the year because I am already a replacement for someone who ditched earlier.
Should I just say okay and leave anyway but quietly?
Should I say I am leaving with or without the job but am happy to finish the year online?
Should I sleeze to get my summer pay and claim I am definitely coming back, but then give notice in July?
I am confused as I scavenge food from neighbors, pack, and worry about how I will get passed the police to the airport or if my savings will be okay. Any level-headed advice would be appreciated.