Worried About Job Prospects After Breaking a Bond Due to Health Issues? Let's Discuss!

Hi, I am a 2011 B.E. graduate. I completed several courses and finally secured a job this February as a software testing engineer. The company required me to sign a bond for three years. Since I wasn't receiving many opportunities, I accepted their terms and conditions. The company was five years old. After working for four months, I developed hyperacidity, stress, anxiety, and other health-related issues. I was living in a PG and decided that I could not continue working because I was unable to sit and work for eight hours. I informed my manager and HR about this, and they advised me to take a rest after assessing my condition. I wanted to leave the job and stay at home for some time, so they agreed. Instead of providing me with an experience letter, they gave me a "service agreement termination letter," stating that due to health conditions, the employee has been relieved, and the bond has been waived off. If I join another company, will they accept this, or should I not disclose my previous records? Will the new HR consider my health problems and not question my abilities?

Congratulations! You made a blunder by signing a 3-year contract, but as luck would have it, your organization relieved you from service and waived off the bond. Kindly check if your relieving letter has mentioned your health condition and the reason for termination. In this case, you might be asked a few questions by your new employer.

This won't create any issues for you. I suggest you proactively get a fitness certificate from your family physician. Your next HR department is only concerned about whether you are fit for employment and can give your 100% at work.

All the best,

Regards,
Abhishek

As Abishek mentioned, you are lucky that you are relieved from the organization with a letter stating that the bond which was signed stays void from the mentioned date. However, practically speaking, you have only four months of experience in your career, and I would suggest you not to show this experience at all when looking for a new opportunity. Even if you obtain a fitness certificate from a physician, this may not be entirely effective.

You mentioned, "I cannot stay and work anymore because I was not able to sit and work for 8 hours." I don't think you can provide a proper justification if questioned in any interview.

Now I have recovered significantly, and I can work according to standard office hours. It was just a bad phase for me, I think, but now I have improved medically. However, I have to start my career again as a fresher. Should I?

I guess I missed a point and hence commenting. Kindly note that you have not broken the bond. The bond has been terminated by both parties, and it's a decision agreed upon by both parties. Both the organization and employee are happy with the decision. All is good. 

Regards,
Abhishek

Aspiration and Growth in Your Career

Your only aspiration in life, especially at the start of your career, should be to learn, regardless of the effort and hard work required. Any private company you join will have such expectations from you. Hyperacidity and similar health problems occur only when you create tension due to job pressures. This can persist if your sensitivity levels are high, as hypersensitivity is interconnected with hyper-aspirations for growth.

Therefore, work diligently and sincerely with the sole objective of learning more; your growth will be automatic. Restrict your aspirations and avoid competing with others; instead, compete with yourself. This means putting in intelligent effort to continually enhance your knowledge and performance.

There are no hindrances to your acceptance by another organization as long as you do not emphasize 'health issues' or 'termination of your bond' during the interview. Focus on highlighting the positives of your previous company experience and on your ambition to learn more and contribute to the organization in the next 3-4 years.

Don't get disheartened, friend.

Understanding Service Agreements in India

Bonds are illegal in India. That's why HR calls it a "Service Agreement" to safeguard themselves from the law. Bonded labor is a crime. I completely agree that if an organization invests in you, then they should see you serving for a good duration of time. However, many HR departments misuse it and put unrealistic terms in the "Service Agreement."

When to Sign a Service Agreement

You should only sign a service agreement if they are providing you with niche training. The bond amount should be realistic and cover training costs and travel expenses. The bond period should be justifiable. A three-year bond is ridiculous unless they are training you to go to the moon.

You are all good to go for a better organization; don't sign any bond unless you really see any value in it. Your health is more important than your job; nothing else matters.

Signing a 3-Year Bond: A Concern

The company is requiring every candidate to sign a 3-year bond, and unfortunately, there are no favorable clauses. Training is provided for only 3 days, and that too for just 2 hours each day. While signing a bond is a common trend, it should not negatively impact your life. The terms and conditions should be fair and reasonable; the company should consider this before presenting it to candidates.

The project I was working on was suddenly stopped. I believe that whatever happens, happens for good.