Unfortunately, a lot of people are in the position where it’s maybe a 0.1% of losing their life if they go, and an 80% chance of losing their job if they don’t. That makes the calculation a lot more difficult, and causes all kinds of stress.
Of course, any job that would force you to go when you don’t feel fully safe is a shitty job. But, a lot of people don’t feel like they have the option to leave a shitty job.
Better to lose your job than lose your life
Unfortunately, a lot of people are in the position where it’s maybe a 0.1% of losing their life if they go, and an 80% chance of losing their job if they don’t. That makes the calculation a lot more difficult, and causes all kinds of stress.
Of course, any job that would force you to go when you don’t feel fully safe is a shitty job. But, a lot of people don’t feel like they have the option to leave a shitty job.
I’d imagine individuals esteemed enough to attend international conferences/events know that they have other job options. This aren’t paper-pushers.