This is an interesting and great discussion.
I have signed one at my previous company. It stated along the lines of " cannot operate a business or work for competitors withing 100 miles of this location for a period of 24 months"
I left after working there for 5 years, and went to work for a SI of a different field. So it didnt matter either way for me. But there were other people that left and went to work for competitors and nothing came of it. I don't believe it would hold up in court personally but what do i know.
I think the company wrote it because one of the higher ups prior had a disagreement with the owner, started his own company and deliberatly shot all of his existing customers a letter, trying to steal all the work.
So i figure as long as you don't try to approach the client and they come to you or you don't deliberatly try to cripple your former employer, most likely you are safe.
This is not legal advise, i am no lawyer. Just my opinion.
I have signed one at my previous company. It stated along the lines of " cannot operate a business or work for competitors withing 100 miles of this location for a period of 24 months"
I left after working there for 5 years, and went to work for a SI of a different field. So it didnt matter either way for me. But there were other people that left and went to work for competitors and nothing came of it. I don't believe it would hold up in court personally but what do i know.
I think the company wrote it because one of the higher ups prior had a disagreement with the owner, started his own company and deliberatly shot all of his existing customers a letter, trying to steal all the work.
So i figure as long as you don't try to approach the client and they come to you or you don't deliberatly try to cripple your former employer, most likely you are safe.
This is not legal advise, i am no lawyer. Just my opinion.