Feeling Stuck in a Tough Job with a Bond Agreement – Can I Leave Without Legal Trouble?

Hi Everyone, I am currently working in an organization for the last 5 months, but I am not satisfied with my job. I joined as a fresher. The working environment is tough, and I have to work long hours, more than 12 hours per day, even though the salary is low. The bond amount is 41 times my salary structure, and my agreement period is 3 years. I want to switch companies. Please help me out because HR will surely take necessary legal steps. Can you please give me suggestions? After leaving, will they claim and get money from me based on the agreement done on bond paper issued by the court? Is there any law in our court to claim money from freshers? Guys, please reply.

The bond is not enforceable unless the company has provided some special training at their cost.

Yes, this is correct. Bond is enforceable only in case of training at cost, and that also only to the extent of expenditure on training.

You have not provided full details; hence, the reply is based on the assumption that you were provided training at the employer's cost.

Col. Rathi

Since you have signed the bond for 3 years and you are new to the company and environment, my suggestion would be to "be patient" for some time and try to learn upcoming things. In the beginning, as a fresher, sometimes you may become impatient when things are not going as you want them to. If you find that you are not learning anything or the nature of work is not as you expected, then approach your seniors or manager. Talk to them about the problem and inquire if you can get involved in something that interests you. There are usually various work options within a company. You might not be satisfied with your current role, but you can excel if the work aligns with your interests and expectations.

Ultimately, if you do not like the company or the environment, and you feel there is no future in working for that profile or company, then you should not compromise. Secure a good offer from the job market first. Once you have an offer, arrange for the necessary funds and terminate the bond by paying the company. Remember, your career is more important; money can be earned anytime. :)

Seeking Advice on Career Transition and Bond Agreement

I had given training for about 30 days, which included PowerPoint presentations and hands-on practice. However, my training period is 1 year, resulting in a lower salary for that duration. The work I am currently doing has limited scope in India, making it challenging to envision a prosperous future here. Only 5 companies in India offer similar opportunities. Consequently, I am feeling somewhat anxious. As I hail from North India, I aspire to return to my roots after gaining experience. Unfortunately, it seems that there are no companies in the region willing to compensate adequately for my expertise in the long run.

One of my friends who started with me has already left without prior notice, citing family issues as the reason for his departure. Recently, HR has sent him an email, setting a deadline for his return and threatening legal action if he fails to comply. I am uncertain whether the company can enforce the bond amount. I am at a loss about what steps to take next.

I have recently cleared a written examination and have a face-to-face interview scheduled for next week. I am optimistic about receiving a job offer. However, I am apprehensive about the bond amount with my current company, which is substantial. As a fresher, I lack experience in handling such situations. I am seeking guidance on how to proceed. I wish to resign, but I fear that the company may not permit it if I approach them directly.

Please advise me on the correct course of action.

Regards

No, the HR cannot recover the amount by legal action as the bond is not enforceable under law and is against freedom of profession under the constitution of India.

HR cannot do anything if the employee is not willing to work. The only options are to serve the notice period or pay the bond amount. As a fresher, you may feel pressure in the first few months. If the same situation arises in a new company, what will you do? Will you switch companies again? My suggestion is to continue learning and gaining experience. Do not be afraid of work or timings.