Hired with relocation paid and now forced to remain on a job I dislike for one year

[An O' Nyme]

Hello,

I work in Michigan and when I got hired the company paid for my relocation (8000$ as I used to live abroad).

There was a condition in the contract that mentioned that if I willingly quit my job within 1 year or got fired for wrongful doings in the same period I would owe the 8000 $ back to the company.

I would now like to quit this job after 9 months working for the company but I am afraid the company will charge 8000 $ as it was said in the contract.

Of course I can work the extra 3 months but then that would force me to move during the winter which I would like to avoid. I thought this practice might be illegal (the condition). Is it a common practice ? Is it a legitimate/legal condition ?

It seems unfair in the perspective that I am forced to stay 8 hours a day in some place unless I pay somebody 8000$ to emancipate myself (that money is now mine by right, it is not borrowed money). It sounds a bit like slavery to me ! Did I waive my right to freedom by signing this contract ?

If I am right, and this is illegal, can someone point me to the writing in the law that can support me ?

 

[Zigner]

Hello,

I work in Michigan and when I got hired the company paid for my relocation (8000$ as I used to live abroad).

There was a condition in the contract that mentioned that if I willingly quit my job within 1 year or got fired for wrongful doings in the same period I would owe the 8000 $ back to the company.

I would now like to quit this job after 9 months working for the company but I am afraid the company will charge 8000 $ as it was said in the contract.

Of course I can work the extra 3 months but then that would force me to move during the winter which I would like to avoid. I thought this practice might be illegal (the condition). Is it a common practice ? Is it a legitimate/legal condition ?

It seems unfair in the perspective that I am forced to stay 8 hours a day in some place unless I pay somebody 8000$ to emancipate myself (that money is now mine by right, it is not borrowed money). It sounds a bit like slavery to me ! Did I waive my right to freedom by signing this contract ?

If I am right, and this is illegal, can someone point me to the writing in the law that can support me ?

You are NOT being held in slavery (melodramatic much? ) Yes, they can hold you to the contract. Stick out the three months and then be on your merry way.

 

[An O' Nyme]

You are NOT being held in slavery (melodramatic much? ) Yes, they can hold you to the contract. Stick out the three months and then be on your merry way.

Hey Zigner, thanks ! BTW the melodramatic tone was intentional, I just wanted to make my point

 

[cbg]

It is perfectly legal. It is not at all uncommon. It is quite legitimate.

The law is not going to get you out of this. You work the additional three months or you pay the $8000. The law does not give a rip whether you think it's fair or not.

Your comparison of slavery is highly offensive. Slaves did not have options. There is not even a glimmer of slavery in expecting you to adhere to a contract you voluntarily signed, or pay the penalty you agreed to.

 

[eerelations]

This is not only perfectly legal but very common as well. As an HR person for more than 30 years, I always made sure every employee we paid to relocate had contracts with clauses like this.

 

[FlyingRon]

Believe me, I've been in exactly the same situation. You either stick it out or you repay the location costs. Life's not always pleasant.

 

[An O' Nyme]

It is perfectly legal. It is not at all uncommon. It is both quite legitimate.

The law is not going to get you out of this. You work the additional three months or you pay the $8000. The law does not give a rip whether you think it's fair or not.

Your comparison of slavery is highly offensive. Slaves did not have options. There is not even a glimmer of slavery in expecting you to adhere to a contract you voluntarily signed, or pay the penalty you agreed to.

I meant no offense to anyone and I don't really believe I am a slave, just a bit forced against my will. Also I find your comment very aggressive and rude.

I won't be commenting further on this. Just legitimately seeking a way out of an embarrassing situation. Seems it doesn't exist and it's ok we deal with it.

Thanks to everyone who answered.

 

[Zigner]

...just a bit forced against my will.

It's not against your will.

 

[CTU]

I meant no offense to anyone and I don't really believe I am a slave, just a bit forced against my will. Also I find your comment very aggressive and rude.

I won't be commenting further on this. Just legitimately seeking a way out of an embarrassing situation. Seems it doesn't exist and it's ok we deal with it.

Thanks to everyone who answered.

Grow up. You're being forced to do NOTHING. You are simply going to make a CHOICE. Good heavens ... if this is the way you present yourself online, I can only imagine how much of a joy it is having to work with you.

 

[cbg]

No one forced you to sign that agreement. It was just fine when it was in your favor and you got your relocation paid for, but now that it's no longer convenient, you're saying it should be illegal and you should be able to get out of it.

You compare it to the slaves who were bought and sold like chattel, but when you get called on it you back-pedal that you didn't really mean it and complain that I'm being rude to you.

Pull up your big boy panties and deal with it. Whoever told you, you'd never have to be in a situation you don't like, lied.

 

[An O' Nyme]

What the XXX is wrong with you people. seriously what the hell... Judging people up to their eating habits by reading a single line of text.
Over and out of this crappy forum.