An Employment offer?

Question

Hi, I recently received an employment offer from a large IT company. My employment agreement states that the employment is at will. It further states that the employer can terminate this employment at any time for any reason. I can also terminate it at any time for any reason but the employer requests a two weeks notice. So I was relieved that I wouldn't be obligated to stay for a specific period of time.

However, they also want me to sign a service agreement. This agreement states that because the company will incur training expenses, I have to stay with the company for a minimum of 24 months. If I leave during training or before my required 24 months of service is up, the company has the right to recover $15,000 from me.

Can someone please give me some advice? I'm a recent college graduate and I'm confused because the two agreements say two different things. By the way, I have not signed either of the agreements and I'm not planning on signing anything until they make sense to me.

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry too much about the at will employment agreement.  Most employers that are located in at will states will have you sign something like that.  

As for the service agreement.  I can't say that I've ever heard of this before, but that doesn't mean it's not legit.  This company is going invest quite a bit of money in you for training purposes and they just want to be sure their money isn't going to be wasted on an employee with commitment issues.  

Before signing the agreement, you need to ask one important question..."Are you going to be obligated to pay the money back if you're fired?"  As long as you're not obligated to pay the money back if you're fired, then sign the agreement.  Sign only if you're really interested in working for this company and all the stars are aligned.

Answer 2

Okay basically the 1st part states this they are an 'at will" employer they can fire you at any time for any reason. Most all companies are now. So don't let this worry you.

The second part they request a two week notice but it is not required.

The third part the sevice agreement. Basically they are putting a lot of time and money into you so they want you to agree to stay with the company for 2 years or be willing to pay back what they consider the cost of training you. This is a lot of money but if you are interested in the company and it is a large IT company I would say it is typical of what you may run into elsewhere. One thing is you should only have to pay this amount if you leave (quit) not if they release you, but I would read over the fine print very well. You have to way the pro's and con's.

Answer 3

You can give them your 2 weeks and not be liable, as far as breaking a contract. But, if you give that notice before 2 years have passed since you have started, you are liable for the 15,000. This is because they are going to spend that money and time training you. My friend is in a very similar contract, although hers does not involve repayment, but company information. Her employer does not want her to share any information about their processes and such. It is called a non-compete clause or something. Basically, she can give the 2 weeks, but for 2 years, she cannot work in a similar role in a competing company.

If you really want the job, go for it. But once you sign, you HAVE to stay for 2 years, or you will most likely be sued. So, keep that in mind when you decide.

For me, it would depend on the job market, my present situation, the company itself. You have to weigh it all out. If it turns out to be a stressful/bad place you will have to suffer for that time. You will come out with that training in the end. Try to see if you can find out more about the company so that you know what you are getting into, good or bad.

GOOD LUCK!