Stuck in a Toxic Job With a Bond? Here’s What You Can Do
Starting a new job should be exciting, but for one Redditor, it turned into a nightmare. Posting on r/askSingapore, the user shared how they joined a mid-tier accounting firm only to realise they had signed a one-year "bond" with a three-month penalty clause if they resigned early.
On top of that, the job turned out to be toxic, with long overtime hours and a heavy workload. Now, they’re wondering if the clause is even enforceable—and how to get out of the situation.
This post struck a nerve, especially with those in accounting and audit, who are no strangers to long hours and unfair employment contracts.
A Bond… Without Training?
Typically, bonds are given when a company invests in your education, like a degree sponsorship or professional qualification. But in this case, the firm simply imposed a penalty for leaving within the first year.
"Err, why a bond? Did they send you for a recognised degree or diploma? If not, there shouldn’t be any bond required."
— u/JackAllTrades06
Some users pointed out that companies with high turnover often trap employees this way.
"Usually if they got high turnover in the company, this is their shitty way of retaining staff."
— u/Azrinm
A three-month notice period, combined with a three-month salary penalty, makes it financially painful to leave early. Some questioned if such clauses were even legal under Singapore’s employment laws.
Is This Clause Even Enforceable?
A few users referenced Singapore’s employment laws and Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), suggesting that the clause could be considered unfair.
"This could be classified as an unfair clause under Singapore’s employment act. You can lodge a complaint with TAFEP and they will intervene."
— u/chungfr
There have been cases where TAFEP stepped in to help employees get out of similar contracts.
"In one case, an employee who wanted to resign after less than three months was told to pay one month’s salary as compensation. TAFEP deemed this clause ‘unreasonable’ and the employer was forced to drop it."
— u/chungfr
However, TAFEP only advises employers—it doesn’t have enforcement power. If the company refuses to cooperate, the next step would be going to the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) or seeking legal advice.
"You bring them to TADM. You can cite TAFEP’s recommendation."
— u/Additional_Stock160
Survival Strategies: What Can You Do?
If quitting isn’t immediately possible, many users recommended strategic survival tactics—essentially doing the bare minimum while looking for a way out.
"Do bare minimum and let them fire you instead. What are they gonna do?"
— u/BigDependent4342
"Arrive at 9, leave at 6. They chase you, say you couldn’t finish during work hours. They will let you go."
— u/Ukelele-in-the-rain
The reasoning behind this approach is simple: If the company fires you, they can’t enforce the penalty.
Others suggested negotiating an exit rather than walking out.
"If you are burnt out to the point that you cannot continue, just try to settle with the firm amicably to let you leave."
— u/semperfiction
For those willing to push back harder, some even suggested challenging the clause legally.
"Just don’t pay. Let them threaten to sue you. Then you counter-threaten to take it to Mothership and demand compensation from them."
— u/No-Consequence-6807
While this might be extreme, it highlights how frustrated employees are with such clauses.
A Common Problem in the Industry?
Many users pointed out that mid-tier accounting firms are known for burnout culture, unreasonable hours, and high turnover.
"Accounting, especially mid-tier CPA, is for jhk de."
— u/Creative-Macaroon953
"Have known about such practices since 2016 when I was an intern. They probably have much more resources than you, a single individual, to enforce it."
— u/IncredibleYeti_2324
Some even speculated on the specific company, hinting at certain firms with a bad reputation for treating employees poorly.
"I thought this was a 'norm' in the industry? While it definitely sounds unfair, it's not something new."
— u/IncredibleYeti_2324
The Takeaway: Know Your Rights Before Signing
The lesson here? Always read the contract carefully before signing. Some companies take advantage of desperate jobseekers by sneaking in unfair clauses that make it hard to leave.
If you’re already in this situation, the best course of action is:
- Check with TAFEP/TADM – If the penalty seems unfair, they might help you challenge it.
- Negotiate an exit – Some employers might let you go without enforcing the penalty.
- Quiet quit – Do the bare minimum and let them fire you.
- Seek legal advice – If all else fails, consult a lawyer to check if the clause is enforceable.
For job seekers, this case is a reminder to always research a company’s work culture before accepting an offer. A bad job market is no reason to sign away your rights to fair treatment.
Would you take a job with a contract like this? Or would you walk away?
