What to do about scary language in contracts?

[goldsummer]

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I received a contract from an institution I really like. Upon review, it basically says they can fire me for anything. Theres no language about holding their institution accountable in the event they don't live up to promises.
It also says if I quit before the end of the contract length I have to:
- Pay back a full year's salary
- Pay the recruiting costs of ANOTHER doctor they replace me with
- Pay all legal fees associated with me leaving and a new doctor coming on
- Pay all other temporary costs associated with the switch (nothing specified, this could mean a lot of things)

Other contracts dont have language quite like that... in fact some hold themselves accountable too, stating if the institution fails to deliver on promises, the physician can quit with no penalty. Or the doctor and institution can mutually decide to end the partnership. Or the physician can quit just give 90 days notice. No other contract has anything quite that harsh... Even some that do have a penalty, it is reasonable amount.

I'm not sure what to do. Would you sign a contract with that type of language in it?

 

[Sardonix]

They can fire you for whatever reason. If you quit, they demand you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars (including costs that have nothing to do with you).

I'm an M4 and I already know this is an incredibly unfair and malicious contract. I think you already know the answer, but don't want to believe it.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

There is no way I'd sign that contract

 

[Splenda88]

If you like the place, hire a lawyer and have him negotiate on languages in the contract that are egregious...

 

[Splenda88]

There is no way I'd sign that contract

I don't think ANYONE with a functioning brain would sign it either...

 

[Merely]

Lol wtf is this contract..no just say no and get a lawyer asap

 

[deleted87716]

No. Just...no.

 

[SLC]

That company isn’t worth negotiating with IMO. No matter how much you “like them”, they’ve shown you their true colors right there.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Most jobs can fire you for no reason. Learned that the hard way, most don't but they can. I agree that is a bad contract. They could make your life miserable where you would want to quit but can't due to having to pay them back. Walk away.

 

[septoplasty]

Sounds like you got the language as simple as possible and know what you're signing. Sound ****ty, like everyone says.
One of two things you can do:
1) Say no (ideal, you're FM I assume, you'll find better jobs)
2) Less ideal, negotiate with them.

The "scary" language is basically brought on by admin, if the admin is this ****ty initially, think of what they are like in actual practice.