Could They Sue Me If I Quit Before 12 Months?

Location: Utah

I signed this contract that had a blurb in it stating I am entering a 12 month employment contract.

“As we discussed, due us being a small but high performing clinic, and the financial harm and clinical impact it would cause, we are going into this working relationship with the understanding that it will be long term. You are agreeing to a 12 month contract pursuant to your employment agreement. If, at the end of your initial 12 month term, you decide to part ways with ***, we request 45 days advance notice, but contractually require 30 days advance notice.”

However, I cannot continue to work for this company for a number of reasons:

1. Poor work-life balance – I’m expected to be available after hours without compensation. They have us in multiple (I’m talking 10+) group chats, so I’m constantly getting text messages from them. They were texting until 1:30 A.M. last night.

2. Scope creep – I was hired for one role but are now handling multiple jobs.

3. Micromanagement – constant check-ins and Zoom requests, even off the clock.

4. Toxic communication – passive-aggressive messages and boundary-pushing from leadership.

5. Underpaid for responsibilities – taking on far more than what I’m paid or trained for.

6. No respect for personal time – they don’t honor my off hours or family commitments.

7. Lack of organization – chaotic workflows and last-minute issues I am expected to fix.

8. Emotionally draining – the tone and demands are causing burnout and dread.

I want to quit, but I’m afraid they will come after me for the “financial harm” it will cause the clinic for quitting.

Any advice?