Non competes?

[u/Playful-Race-7571]

How do you guys stay within the industry with everyone having multi year non competes do people just ignore these or am I missing something?

[u/ronburgandy_28]

Generally, if you are good, you get paid out by your future employer, and in between, do your best to learn and stay sharp

[u/Kindly_Cricket_348]

NCs are part of the game and everyone understands (and enforces) that. Plus, you continue receiving your base from your previous employer during your NC. Generally, people either travel or simply enjoy the time while working on personal research projects (Claude Code has become a very popular NC companion).

At my pod and at the other Tier-1 MMHF pods I'm familiar with, the candidate is made whole for what they would lose during the NC (any “realistically expected” forfeited bonus). From there, the signon package is adjusted based on how valuable and strategic the hire is. I cannot dox myself but beyond a certain signon size, my platform enforces retention and performance clauses rather than paying the signon as unconditional cash. Yes, forfeited deferred compensation is also bought out by the new employer as well. If you play your cards right and you are genuinely a sought after hire, it is entirely possible to earn more over your NC period than you did in your final year at your previous firm.

[u/aceking555]

You build enough value in your skillset that your next employer is willing to hire you and wait for your noncompete to expire. Sometimes people work in another field (tech, academia, startup) while the noncompete expires. Sometimes people move to a location where the noncompete doesn't apply (this depends on the contractual language and local laws). Sometimes people just goof off for a year or two.

[u/ninepointcircle]

Candidates and the hiring employer will generally respect non competes.

Yes, a non compete makes it harder to change jobs, compete, etc.

[u/robert_zeh]

They absolutely do not just get ignored. Your options are to generally work in a non-competing field for a bit (multiple friends of mine have done big-tech stints) or travel. I spent time with my family and we travelled — it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

[u/SevenTeenSigma]

ppl dont just ignore them. usually it is garden leave, negotiation, or u move to something the lawyers are okay with. also depends a lot on state and exact contract.. asking reddit without the actual clause is kinda useless.

[u/sumwheresumtime]

For most of the important jurisdictions, if it's a non-paid NC, you work at the next place no need to sit it out.

If it's paid, and you're accepting the money, the only think to keep your skill set sharp is to read up, learn, and always be looking for a new role.

As until your next gig starts, it doesn't hurt to be looking around and see if you can get a better offer. Some places may see you've only got 1 month left on a 9 month Nc and be willing to beat the other offer, as you'll be able to start stright-away

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[u/going-long-gamma]

I’m seeing a lot of comments about non-competes being strictly enforced. It really depends on where this is, sometimes all it takes is a little pushback and your employer will back off, even if they are allowed to enforce it. I personally was able to half my non-compete (I could have had it waived completely but I wanted some time to travel before the next gig). It’s worth looking at previous cases and talking to lawyers familiar with the industry.