Feeling Stuck in a Job That Stifles Creativity: Can I Leave Without Paying the Bond?

Hi Seniors, I recently came across this platform and was eager to find a solution for my situation. I am working in an Indian Software Company as a Content Writer. I joined three months ago. When I joined, I was promised many things like working on whitepapers, social media management, and involvement in all other marketing activities of our products. However, while working, I realized that I would only write a few articles for the company's newsletters and advertisements for vacant positions. Being a creative professional who only does a job when he loves it, I now understand that if I continue here, I would slowly but surely destroy my creativity.

However, when I joined, I signed a company letterhead paper stating that I would have to pay Rs. 45,635 if I leave the job within 1 year of employment. I just want to leave this position and do a job that I love and would learn from every day. So, I am applying for other jobs. My question is, if I leave this job after serving the 2 months' notice, will I still be required to pay the amount?

Regards.

My question is, if I leave this job after serving the 2 months' notice and without paying the bond, am I breaking any law under IPC? I have not signed any stamp paper, and surely the company has not spent even a single penny on my training. Seniors, please suggest and help me get over these fraudulent employers who destroy careers by falsely painting imaginary pictures of professional growth. I am not a person to sit idly and enjoy the salary. So please help me. I have gone through several posts on bonds on this forum but still I am confused, so I asked.

Regards,
Arya

Hello Arya,

The point is no employment bond can be made viable unless training is given. Even in such cases, the amount that the company can recover is only the training cost they incurred on the person. Since you have not been given any training, I do not think the bond is viable. Nonetheless, if you can provide the details or exact phrasing of the clause, it would be better to analyze...

Secondly, would you be resigning on immediate grounds, or would you resign after you get a suitable opening?

Regards,

The paper you signed does not have any legal binding, as you said no training is provided to you to keep you bonded. It would be better for you to look for a job outside and leave the current one if your frustration is manageable after finding a new position. Since you have already completed 3 months and may be in a probation period, your notice period would be less. Once confirmed, there may be a different notice period (certain companies have this practice). Evaluate your priorities and situations, and decide when to quit.

If you love your profession and if your future employer asks for the reason for leaving the current job, explain it professionally. Mention that the current position is not contributing to your career growth and creativity, despite promises that were made but not fulfilled.

This approach may work in two ways: (a) the new employer will appreciate your confidence and dedication to your profession (positive) or (b) if they share the same perspective as your current employer (negative), you will be saved from another potentially unfavorable situation.

Regards,
Suresh