cypho26
Been there done that........
You can resign when you like and you can pay the bond back over as long as you like. One thing I have learnt is that the man holding the cash is in a very strong position. You employer will pressurise you to settle sooner......he wouldn't be a very good businessman if he didn't. You must just know where you stand in terms of the law and act accordingly.
It is just like any civil contract out there. You negotiate the terms and if the employer want to get his money, he will play ball.
Your choice to resign will not affect your reputation although job hopping may raise some questions......
This is written in a South African context.....if your employer is a notorius congolese drug lord then you would probably be better off paying in full immediately.