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Non-Compete Agreement

JRV


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I work as a web designer for a technology company. The company covers a wide range of tech from installing networks to designing websites. I had to sign a Non-Compete Agreement before they would hire me. The agreement says I can't work for any company that would be considered a competitor for up to 2 years.

If I ever leave does that mean that I wouldn't be able to freelance or work as a web designer for 2 years? I know what a Non-Compete Agreement is but unsure of what would be considered a competitor.
 
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2 years is a pretty harsh agreement. Could you perhaps scan the clause so that we can get a look at the exact wording, as that would help us figure out what exactly your employer meant.
 
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JRV

JRV


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2 years is a pretty harsh agreement. Could you perhaps scan the clause so that we can get a look at the exact wording, as that would help us figure out what exactly your employer meant.

I think I have a copy in my files somewhere, I'll look for it. It was just a brief paragraph in the Agreement I signed. It was pretty vague from what I remember.
 
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That does sound pretty harsh. I don't know what I'd do if I wanted to change jobs...technology is my passion.
 
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JRV

JRV


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Monster.com says that they can only be enforced if they are reasonable. If they are too long or prevent you from working in your field all together they are usually thrown out.
 
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Two years is pretty standard. It doesn't mean that you can't work as a designer, it basically means that you can't do any work (similar to what you do now) for the existing clients of the place you work now.

I have a similar agreement where I work now. I can leave if I really wanted to, I just can't farm the client list and do work for them if it would cause that client to leave my current employer completely.
 
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D3v1L80Y is on it, a non-compete is usually reserved for stealing your current company's clients. They are very difficult to enforce unless damage to the current company can be proved. If you leave your company and go to work in the same capacity with another company you will be in a gray area if it can be shown that the two companies are in direct competition with each other. If they aren't, then there is very little risk of violating the non-compete.
 
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It may sound harsh, but it's pretty common. My fiancé had to abide by the same type of agreement a few years ago.
 
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I had an identical agreement with a web hosting company I worked for. I couldn't work for a competitor for 2 years after I worked for them. I thought it was pretty harsh but didn't give it a second thought - I was very young and it was my first full-time job. :)
 
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Technically I was in the same way with my prior company...usually that can be waived if you're on good terms with your employer.
 
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wow... nowadays, two years is ancient news in anything 'web'. i think that's a bit too much...
 
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JRV

JRV


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Two years is pretty standard. It doesn't mean that you can't work as a designer, it basically means that you can't do any work (similar to what you do now) for the existing clients of the place you work now.

I have a similar agreement where I work now. I can leave if I really wanted to, I just can't farm the client list and do work for them if it would cause that client to leave my current employer completely.

Yep you're right. It says I can't work as a web designer for the company's current clients for 2 years. That doesn't seem so bad now since the chances of me working for the clients is almost zero.

Thanks
 

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