Relocation & Sign-On Bonuses: Anyone Have to Give it BACK?

[Town & Country]

Hiya. I am researching the wonderful world of relocation and sign-on bonuses. What I am finding is that there really isn't much to them.

As I'm sure you all know, the relo and sign-on are for "X" length of time - one or two years.

My question: has anyone ever taken a sign-on deal, had to leave their employer, and had to pay it back?

And, did you have to pay the GROSS back (before taxes) or the net (what you actually got?)

I'm not planning to do that......I have a sign-on, relo offered. Just wondering if a person wouldn't be better off NOT taking it and being free to give two week's notice, if they found a better job. The one I am looking at is for two years. That can be a long time if you're working in a bad place.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[live4today, RN]

Never buy into anything that will cause an employer to own more of you than you wish to give.

I took a relocation bonus once, but only stayed ten months on the job. I did not have to give it back because it was added to my income and taxed.

I'd rather give notice and leave. Ask the employer upfront what they want back if you leave before the two year period is over.

[dazzle256]

Never buy into anything that will cause an employer to own more of you than you wish to give.

I took a relocation bonus once, but only stayed ten months on the job. I did not have to give it back because it was added to my income and taxed.

I'd rather give notice and leave. Ask the employer upfront what they want back if you leave before the two year period is over.

Very good point cheerfuldoer "Never buy into anything that will cause an employer to own more of you than you wish to give". I'm not a very big fan of sign on bonuses. It can cause a lot of discontent to nurses already there.

[catlady, BSN, RN]

I took a job with a $2000 sign-on bonus, that required a year of service or I'd have to pay it back. I managed to hang on six months. I kept the bonus money separate from my other bank funds, so that when they wanted it back (and they did, before I completed my notice), it wasn't already spent.