I decided to talk to my boss, and I framed the discussion like this:

-Described the political violence I’m fleeing from my past communities

– having a real fear of reestablishing connection w the danger I just escape

– asking if theres a way forward w a contract not involving this background check as I’m not ready to undergo it rn

I figured not giving him a hard no yet is good, and it started a conversation about possible futures while there is still time

It went good as it could have.

I have til Wednesday to give him a final answer.

He tried to assuage my fears by telling me about the process, saying they really only check employment and credit agencies. But he respects my decision either way.

If I choose not to proceed, my employment is guaranteed through the end of January, and he’ll try and focus on putting me on other contracts that don’t require this investigation.