This sounds fishy to me…usually if a company initiates a relocation, it can’t make you sign to repay if you leave the position. Before you shell out $1500 for a lawyer, search the Department of Labor’s website and try to find out more about the documnet you signed. Search for key terms.
I relocated across the country with my company, but I requested it and was excited about going. Signing a similar form was no problem for me, but mine only lasted one year.

Also, is the repayment in full or is it pro-rated? I would think it would be pro-rated, so if you left with a couple of months left you’d owe 2/24ths of the sum. But I’m guessing here.

Also, would you be able to transfer within the company at the same location? I did that, and by staying at the same site I did not have to pay anything. Any change helps if you’re miserable!

Other than that, you might try getting some mild meds for the next eight months. Also, if they lay you off, do you still have to pay? That would be scary.

The contract is just that .. a contract…. You have to fulfill your part of the obligation or you will have to pay. Unfortunate as it may be.

I was under the same problem .. restricted from leaving a company that I was unhappy with because I signed a relocation contract.

You are going to have to stick it out for the 8 more months … Just think of it this way .. in 4 months, you are half way there .. and then 2 months later . you will only have 2 months to go.

If you are very skilled and ‘in demand’ than I would go ahead and start looking for a new job now … You may be able to find a company that wants you so bad that you are able to negotiate with them for a ‘hiring bonus’ that will pay your costs for the former relocation. Be up front with your new prospective employer and tell them that you are under a contract. Explain to them that you would very much like to join them, but you wouldn’t be able to unless they could help you with this burden.

If nothing else .. you may also find out that it is tougher to find a job than you thought .. which will in turn make you appreciate your current job more.

Otherwise, stick it out ..it’s only 8 months … that time will fly by.

I know it is expensive in Illinois is you are in Chicago .. I used to work there also and was under a similar contract that I wanted out of …

Best of luck.

If you sign a contract and the Company move from one location to another, I would consider the Contract Void, Your expenses is going to grow so their is no way you can cope with the same salary they are paying you, I would not worry about it, if you are see a lawyer,

The only thing I can think of is to take the contract to lawyer and see what he says. Needless to say,. it is never wise to sign a contract without talking to a lawyer first. This is going to cost you a few more bucks.

Unfortunately, since you signed the contract there is no legal way you can get out….perhaps sympathy might work instead….