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Post Info TOPIC: Career Burnout but tight Recruitment Fee Contract
Anonymous

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Career Burnout but tight Recruitment Fee Contract
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I am full time employed since December 1st 2014. Upon joining the company I discovered I was pregnant, went on unpaid maternity leave in July 2015 and returned to work in December. During my leave, my husband became unemployed, and when I returned to work our financial state had started going on a downward spiral. It has been 9 months now and my husband is still unemployed, I am responsible for all our expenses and because we needed my salary I went back to work without working on, what I believe is, post-partum depression. My stress levels are high and I am unable to cope not just at home but at work. I haven't sought medical assistance as I am afraid of taking more time off from work as I was already made to feel by the company that I have had "erratic work attendance"; shortly before returning to work after my maternity leave, I fell sick and found out I had gallstones, which resulted in 3 extra weeks off that were decided by the company as unpaid sick leave - I have also since cancelled the operation I was meant to have as the company felt that my absence was unfair to employees who needed to take leave, so I am yet to have the recommended operation to have my gall bladder removed. I am under a lot of pressure where I feel I have no control over my life, I am depressed and it's leading me to being irritable, unable to concentrate, unexcited about anything, to the extent of catatonia where I sometimes am unable to even talk or move for a period of time.
 
I feel like I need to take a break from everything to seek help and find my feet again. I am in a contract with my employer where I was hired through a recruitment agency and if I leave before serving 18 months I will be held liable for the full amount of the fee they paid, R28,000.00. And if I leave between 18 and 24 months will be liable for 50%. I also need to give 2 months' notice, but every day is a struggle for me from the time I get out of bed. Is there anything I can do at this point to leave without facing heavy consequences with regard to my contract? If I get a medical practitioner to evaluate and diagnose me, would that have an influence on the decision my employer makes based on the information provided?


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Anonymous

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Were you made aware of the "penalty" before commencing employment? Is it in your contract?

 

While obtaining a medical practitioner's diagnosis might win you some sympathy with your employer and help persuade them to waive the penalty, on face value it is a contractual issue and they are entitled to enforce their rights.



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