SINGAPORE: A local man who has spent the past two months actively searching for a job and submitting more than 500 applications has finally received an offer. However, the role comes with an 18-month bond, prompting him to question whether accepting the position is a wise decision.
In a post shared on Reddit’s r/askSingapore forum, the jobseeker explained that the offer is for an audit position, but the contract includes a clause requiring him to serve a two-month notice period and repay three months’ worth of salary if he chooses to leave before completing the bond.
He added that he had previously worked in a mid-sized audit firm but left that role due to personal reasons. Although he considers the new company to be reputable, the idea of being contractually tied down for a year and a half has made him hesitant.
Turning to the online community for guidance, he asked if anyone had encountered similar circumstances and what potential drawbacks he should be aware of before signing the agreement.
“What could the cons be?” he asked. “Please share your experience so I can make an informed decision. Thank you!”
“You are at a severe disadvantage as an employee…”
In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor suggested that the company likely has a high turnover rate, which might explain the strict bond terms and heavy penalties for leaving early. They speculated that these conditions were implemented to discourage staff from resigning prematurely.
They continued, “Quite sure that they’re looking for a way to scare or force new joiners into staying for a longer period of time, so that they don’t have to spend more money/time training more new folks. Seems like a screaming red flag. If you’re out of a job and need this badly, you can take it and continue looking for another job on the side. If you’re just window shopping for a new opportunity, this is a hard pass. Don’t bother considering.”
Another Redditor chimed in, sharing from personal experience that companies with bonds often turn out to have toxic work cultures. A third user added that their own company had similar bond and notice terms, and strongly advised against accepting such offers.
They said, “You can’t escape if the environment turns out to be bad, especially if you have a commitment, e.g., BTO (build to order) loans, car loans, etc. They also fire people suddenly. You are at a severe disadvantage as an employee.”
Others suggested checking the company’s Glassdoor page to get a better understanding of its work environment, management style, and employee experiences. They noted that reading reviews from current and former staff can provide valuable insights into what it’s actually like to work there.
One advised, “Check carefully if it is written by HR or another role. Check if it is written by an intern or others. Filter to read the intern’s review as well. Different roles may have different experiences. Check if there are signs of nepotism/family business.”
Employment bonds
According to Legal Advice’s website, some companies throw in employment bonds in their contracts to cover the costs of training new hires if they decide to leave early. Basically, it’s a way for them to protect their investment, especially if they spent a lot of time and resources getting someone up to speed.
However, not all companies play fair with these bonds. In some cases, companies impose hefty penalties or enforce the bond even when no real training was provided.
As a result, Singapore courts have ruled many of these bonds unenforceable.
If you’re being asked to sign one or thinking about adding it to your employment contracts, it’s smart to get some legal advice. That way, you can make sure everything’s fair, legal, and won’t cause headaches down the road.
Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)