Navigating Bond Obligations: Can I Take Medical Leave to Join a Government Job?

Dear Seniors, I have signed a 1.5-year bond with Comnet. Now, it has been 1 year, and I have been preparing for government exams side-by-side. I finally cracked one, and my joining date is on 15 July 2013. What should I do?

Considering a Medical Leave and Bond Implications

Is it possible for me to take a 6-month medical leave and join the government job (I am going in as a fresher)? Then, after working for 6 months in the government job and taking a 1-month leave, can I rejoin HCL Comnet and submit my resignation? Will these 6 months count towards the bond?

Please help.

You can resign and request an early release. If there are any dues to be paid from your side (if any are stated in the bond in case you resign before completing 18 months), please settle them and move on with a relieving and experience letter.

Please note that it is illegal to have double employment; hence, you should resign and get released from HCL before joining the new organization. Regarding medical leave, I don't think any private company will grant leave for such a long period unless it is a case of a serious accident or a critical situation. Moreover, it is not right to misrepresent information as it will certainly have an adverse effect on you and others who may genuinely need leave.

If the financial liability at HCL is too high, I suggest you speak to your seniors and HR and explain why you want to move on. Request them if the remaining bond period can be waived off.

ALL THE BEST! - Gia

Thank you for your phenomenal support. But I don't care about an experience letter or anything pertaining to HCL. The bond money is 3 lakh, and presently, my financial condition is not well. Yes, I will try to talk to my RM, and if he is ready, will it help GIA?

I agree ethics always count, but still, 3 lakh is not fair for the training; it's just a mockery of stupidity.

Thanks and Regards,
Nitin

I presume it would have been an informed decision for you at the time of joining HCL to take up the assignment despite the bond and the bond liability. Today, since you have another job, ethically, it may not be right to simply dump the present assignment. You have been associated with the company for 1 year, and I am sure you too benefited from the company in terms of learning, blending into a corporate setup, etc.

While I understand that you do not need the experience letter since you are joining the government organization as a fresher, there are many ways to get away from paying up the bond amount. However, you need to introspect at a personal level and make an appropriate decision. At best, I can suggest you speak to your seniors/HR and honestly tell them why you want to move on, share your future aspirations, and how a government job fulfills your aspirations. In India, although a bond is not legal, the company can invoke legal action if the same has been signed by you.

All the best!!

Regards, Gia

HCL Comet is a BPO, right? What training did they give you? The value of the bond cannot exceed the cost of training. Furthermore, the bond can't have the same value until the last date. Please read the previous posts on bonds. It may be illegal and invalid.

However, not resigning and telling lies in the old and new company is a bad idea, especially in a government job where you can be removed on such grounds. Do not take the path you outlined in your post.