Most employers won't enforce it if there is a good reason why you left early, but come after you only if they feel it is a scam or you went with a competitor. But your best first step is to contact an employment lawyer regarding the law in the state where you work. He or she who will advise you more fully regarding your rights.

It is also possible that a company has an informal policy of enforcement. For example, the company might have a 2/3rds rule: you leave after 12 months, they'd forget about it. On the other hand, if you left after 6 months, you'd be billed for 2/3rds. References would be withheld until you anted up.

(Reviewed 9-08)