> The bottom line is, a non compete is not something that springs on you.
It's pretty standard now for employers to spring on you a previously-unmentioned non-compete clause at the time that you're onboarding. I've learned to ask for it before accepting an offer but I don't think most employees know to do that.
I'm a capitalist and I think non-competes have a very valid purpose in a limited set of circumstances. But the ubiquitous use right now is to make it harder for employees to leave.
It's pretty standard now for employers to spring on you a previously-unmentioned non-compete clause at the time that you're onboarding. I've learned to ask for it before accepting an offer but I don't think most employees know to do that.
I'm a capitalist and I think non-competes have a very valid purpose in a limited set of circumstances. But the ubiquitous use right now is to make it harder for employees to leave.