I'm not quite ready to leave my cushy job as a magazine writer, but I know I will be someday, possibly soon. The problem is that I'm sure I signed a six-month non-compete when I was hired several years ago (I know my colleagues all have signed one, I just don't remember doing the same -- I guess I was so thrilled to be in reporting again that I was willing to sign anything).
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I write about a niche tech industry where there are great opportunities in the northeast, Silicon Valley and even the Pacific Northwest. The problem is, there's no way I can afford to go six months without working, especially at the pay rate I've reached. I have no intention of stabbing my company in the back, but I will have sources and expertise to take with me, as does anyone who's taking the next step in their career.
So, when the time comes to move on, how do I handle this? What do I do? Can
I do anything?
Kelly
Get a copy of the signed agreement and see what you signed. It should be in your personnel file, and they should let you see what is in there.
Most no-competes, as they are sometimes called, are meant just to prevent you taking what you know to the competition. They are not meant to prevent you from working altogether.
The recent dustup in the Twin Cities is occurring because people went from the St. Paul
Pioneer Press to its nearest daily competitor, the
Minneapolis Star Tribune. Had they moved to Texas, there would be no issue.
In your case, you may have to put some sources on the shelf for a while, but you are probably not prevented from writing anything at all. The magazine probably just wanted to ensure that you did not take your expertise to a direct competitor.
Read the agreement, and pay attention to how it describes the competition. If it looks sticky and you decide to leave, consult with an attorney.
Coming Monday: He plans to move to Chicago from a small paper where he is a designer, editor and writer, and wonders how to make the move. We ask someone on the inside.
