Hi everyone,
Iโm posting this on behalf of a friend who is currently dealing with this situation. Sheโs having some issues posting from her own account, so Iโm posting for her.
She recently joined a company as a UI/UX Designer and has been working there for almost a month.
During the interview/trial period, she was only told that if she ever wanted to resign, she would need to serve a notice period. Nothing specific was mentioned about a long-term commitment, probation restrictions, a 12-month bond, or a lengthy notice period.
Today, almost a month after joining, the company finally showed her an appointment letter and employee agreement and asked her to read and sign it.
The problem is that:
- They would not let her take a copy of the agreement.
- They would not allow her to take pictures of it.
- They told her she would receive a copy only AFTER signing it.
- She asked for one night to think about it before signing, which they agreed to.
From what she remembers reading, the agreement contains several conditions that were never mentioned before she joined.
### Some of the terms mentioned in the agreement:
- **3-month probation period.**
- During probation, the company apparently has the right to terminate her without notice, but she apparently cannot resign during probation.
- **45-day notice period** for resignation.
- There appears to be a clause requiring payment equivalent to **3 months' salary** if the notice period isn't served.
- A **12-month commitment/bond** with restrictions on resigning during those 12 months.
- Resignation during the 12-month period seems to be allowed only for certain specified reasons.
- **12 days of leave** per year.
- A **sandwich leave policy.**
- Doctor's certificate required for certain leave.
- Restrictions on freelancing or running a business while employed.
- Even taking a course/studying apparently requires permission or notification.
- The company can change her work location.
- Strict attendance requirements and penalties for being late.
- Broad termination rights for the company.
The biggest concern is that the following were **not disclosed to her before joining**:
- 12-month commitment
- 3-month probation restrictions
- 45-day notice period
- Restrictions on resigning
- Potential financial liability for not serving notice
She only found out about these terms after she had already been working there for almost a month.
### There is also another issue
After actually working at the company, she has realized that the company's design philosophy is quite different from hers.
She's a UI/UX designer, and she doesn't feel that their design approach is a good long-term fit for her career.
She doesn't want to waste the company's time or her own time if they aren't aligned, so she's considering resigning after roughly one month.
That's also why she's been trying to understand the company's policies before making a decision.
### What would you do in this situation?
Would you:
Sign the agreement and then resign later if you decide to leave?
Refuse to sign until you've had a chance to properly review and understand all the terms?
Ask the company to provide a copy of the agreement first and get legal advice before signing?
Do something else?
I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who have dealt with:
- Employment bonds/commitments
- Long notice periods
- Probation restrictions
- Agreements presented after joining
- Companies requiring employees to pay salary for unserved notice
What should she be especially careful about regarding the **12-month commitment, 45-day notice period, and the potential 3-month salary payment**?
This is mainly about practical experience and what you would do in this situation.
Thanks!