Too Many Workers Are Trapped by Non-Competes
I've always refused to sign any contract with a non-compete. In every case, the employer has removed or voided it. The only exceptions were jobs in Chicago, and I walked away from two different jobs because they couldn't change their contract.<p>I often don't even bring it up during the interview, until I get an offer. At that point if they're not willing to negotiate my basic rights as a worker, it's not a company I want to work for and I'm glad I've wasted their time.<p>Always demand to see the offer letter/agreement first before you accept, and don't be afraid to walk away if it contains a non-compete. They've screwed over at least two friends of mine and they're totally not worth it. I've written about my experiences with non-competes before:<p><a href="https://penguindreams.org/blog/why-i-dont-sign-non-competes/" rel="nofollow">https://penguindreams.org/blog/why-i-dont-sign-non-competes/</a>