Feeling Stuck in a Job That's Not What I Signed Up For – Can I Leave Without Legal Trouble?

Hi, I need to ask a few things before leaving my job. I was appointed as an AWS Solutions Architect in the company 9 months ago, where I signed a bond for 1 year. For the last 3 months, they have forced me to do the testing job, which is unrelated to my profile. They have also introduced me as a QA to the client to secure the project. Additionally, the salary is delayed every month. The salary date is the 13th of every month, but they delay it until the 25th of every month for the previous month's salary. I am planning to leave the job but am afraid of the legal implications because the boss is too egoistic and cannot handle anyone leaving him. What should I do? I have started consulting a psychologist due to the stress and anxiety.

Dear Colleague,

One cannot work peacefully in a job that is disliked. Internal factors such as unrelated tasks, delayed salary, or an egoistic boss with little tolerance may prompt one to consider changing jobs.

Considerations Before Leaving Your Job

Here are a few thoughts for your consideration:

1. You have a 1-year bond with the company. Abruptly leaving may lead to legal actions by the company, and you may be liable to compensate for breaching the contract.

2. You have already completed 9 months, with 3 months remaining to fulfill the 1-year contract. It is advisable to complete the remaining 3 months peacefully to avoid any actions by the company.

3. Consider taking a few days off to reduce stress. It's positive that you are already in touch with a psychologist.

4. While acknowledging your feelings, for the long-term benefit of your career, it is recommended to finish the remaining period before making a change.

5. Review your notice period clause; if it is 3 months, it is time to provide advance notice and a resignation letter. Also, look for a job that aligns with your passions.

All the best and God bless,

Dr. P. Sivakumar
Doctor Siva Global HR
Tamil Nadu

Thanks for your reply. Just one more thing. Is it okay if I complete my one year while serving the notice period? Or do I have to complete one year and then resign?

For example, I joined the company on 5th Feb 2021, and we have a notice period of 45 days. So, do I have to work until 5th Feb 2022 and then resign and serve the next 45 days as notice, or can I resign around 20th Dec 2021 and then serve the 45 days as notice?

Understanding Contract Law and Employment Agreements

It seems to me that many people here on CiteHR need to learn about contract law. A contract is a binding agreement, and breaking that agreement invites all manner of legal complications, which you do not need in your life. It seems that many people skip over this small fact of life.

Reasons for Binding Employment Contracts

For what reason is this company binding people to stay a minimum of 12 months, I wonder? Are they having problems with attrition? Do they want to recoup the cost of recruitment and training new staff? This is a flimsy reason at best, as it is just part of the cost of doing business.

The Importance of Thoroughly Understanding Contracts

It behooves people to stop, think, and thoroughly read and understand before they sign any document. If you are not sure you can commit to the conditions being asked of you, don't sign it. Walk away.

When Employment Conditions Change

Now, in this case, the OP may have signed his life away for 12 months, thinking that it was a good job, it met his requirements, and suited him in all aspects. But the employer shifted the goalposts and changed the conditions of employment. The OP may have a case at law, but only those with deep pockets can afford to stand on principle and fight. And you need lots of evidence to prove your case.

Due Diligence on Prospective Employers

Yet another example where you need to do due diligence on a prospective employer and ascertain to the best of your ability that this is an organization where you want to work and will be treated well.

Thank you for the great knowledge sharing. The company already deducts 4% of the salary every month as a security deposit (cost of training), which will be given to me after I complete a year. After reading the comments, I think I should complete a year and then consider my exit. Once I complete my first year, I will be required to sign a bond to continue my employment. Many employees in my company renew this bond annually to stay on (some have been doing so for the past 6 years due to personal reasons, unable to move on). I anticipate resigning within the bond period to fulfill my one-year commitment.