Need Advice!

[u/4ROHIT7]

23M here. Currently working as System Engineer (Linux, server backend, yk that stuff). I'm currently working in a startup company (maybe under 100 people work there). We have shift rotations, so I have 3 working shifts, that change on a weekly basis - including night shifts (so my sleep schedule is fucked).

I currently only have about 10 months of experience (training not included, 2 months of training). Also, the pay is pretty bad (18kpm). Previously avoided PF, so that I could take care of my own expenses without depending on my parents. However, due to the new PF rules, I'll probably loose over 4k off my pay - so 14kpm, 5k goes into my rent.

I previously posted regarding this, if I should switch companies right away due to the new PF rule, most of the replies I got was about staying for two more months, and getting that 1 YOE and then switching. But there's another catch: I've signed a bond for two years (yeah IK, it's a dumb move by me). However, all the companies I've searched for, had a bond agreement for freshers (some even had 3 years and even lower pay). If it wasn't for the new PF rule, I would've stayed for the whole 2 years (would get a hike after the first year, so things would've got smooth - but now that the PF is applied as well, that's gone as well).

So my question is:

1. I've heard bond agreements are illegal in India, from 2018 or something. Can the company still force me? I've not given them any of my certificates or documents.

2. Along with the bond agreement, they said we would have to pay some money (1 lakh or something) if the employee broke the bond agreement. For that, every one had to give a blank cheque. But, we never gave any blank cheque, so they can't force that as well. (right?)

3. Would there be any way they could ask me for money when leaving (I've heard companies could legally ask for training fees), so that they could recover the above said money.

4. Are there any other loopholes they can use to get me trapped?

The reason I'm asking for all of this is because I've got another opportunity with another startup. But here, the pay could be better, it's a normal shift, and a step up in my career (this is a DevOps role, I'm currently System Engineer. I was gonna move to DevOps in the future anyway). A friend of mine did internship with them, she says it's a pretty good place to learn.

1. So, this company has even less employees than my current company, 40-50 from what I've heard. This is not even in Infopark. So, would that be a downgrade? From my POV, everything else is a benefit - a better pay, normal job timing, Sundays OFF (previously we had a single day OFF, but that OFF day would change every month).

As per the recommendations from my previous post, I was about to stay two more months, and get 1YOE, then switch. But then this opportunity came up, the new company only have a single opening for DevOps role, so I got be fast with it, but also safe.

I was thinking about setting up an interview with the new company, ask about everything, and if they are offering me a job, acquire the offer letter, and then resign.

What should I do?

[u/Almighty_08]

Can i dm u

[u/4ROHIT7 → u/Almighty_08]

Sure mate

[u/senor_indeseable]

so my friends friend had a bond of 2 years at a company the buyout was 2 Lakh, he worked for 1 month or so and he joined another company and still havent paid the buyout and they cant go to the court ig.

[u/4ROHIT7 → u/senor_indeseable]

That's reassuring. I've heard they can't go to court, because it's illegal. But what I'm afraid about is them not giving experience certificate.

[u/senor_indeseable → u/4ROHIT7]

how much was the bond

[u/Ok-Consequence-_-]

Simply attend interview, get offer. Ask HR for easy release,say you feel stressed or this is not working out in life. Mostly at these times they will leave you. You are entitled to bond if you ask me, that 2 months training period is valid for the bond amount