I don&#x27;t have an inherent problem with non-competes. I could understand why certain industries would need restrictions along those lines.<p>The problem is when businesses expect the non-compete agreement when it is not a negotiated item during the hiring process. I recall one instance where I given an offer by a company and we went through the usual salary&#x2F;benefits&#x2F;role negotiation process. I accepted the offer and put in notice at current employer. During the new hire paperwork they added an extremely onerous non-compete agreement. Of course I refused to sign it.<p>The most insulting part was how baffled they acted. Like they just assumed they could add demands like that without any additional consideration. This attitude of &#x27;well we need to protect ourselves, and we can ask for this legally&#x27;. Well yes you can ask for anything, but it&#x27;s <i>not what we agreed as the terms of employment</i>.