"Get it in writing," they said. I did. And it didn't matter.

Here's the written agreement to pay back. 

Note the interesting perspective. 

Basically, "I know you gave me seven weeks of paid time off (worth $30,000) and over $30,000 in travel and related expenses including Ireland, San Francisco, Austin and Atlanta and supporting me with practice sessions and class time to get me this coveted credential in order to help the company earn money....but I'm going to leave a few days afterwards in order to use it for myself.

I want you pay you back by giving back to you a small percentage from the large amount I'll now make (and thanks, again, for that!) just like any other vendor you use. Only this way, besides you making no more than you would with anybody, you'll have the pleasure of knowing that my life is much better off thanks to your generosity (and your trust and belief in me, despite what others told you - Thank God you didn't listen to them!) and you can start this year long process again with someone else."

Seem reasonable? He wanted me to provide him with a jumping off point for his new career that we paid to equip him for. 

He sees this taking 1 - 2 year, but he stopped immediately after this email. Thankfully others in our Agile community would give him plenty of work without feeling there was anything unethical about him lying, breaking contract and owing people money via an agreement in writing.