Eli5: how exactly can companies enforce non-compete contracts? How is it their business what company you go to, and how would they even know?

Question

Eli5: how exactly can companies enforce non-compete contracts? How is it their business what company you go to, and how would they even know?

In: 11

Answer 1

I’m a locksmith and went on an interview with a very large lock manufacturer who also does installations. They mentioned that I “of course would need to sign a non-compete clause.”

I asked for a copy of it.

I told them I would not be able to sign it because the way it was worded, I would not be able to work as a locksmith in NYC, Long Island, and parts of NJ for 5 years.

They told me that no one had ever refused that before. Before the interview was up, I was told they checked with the VP and he said I wouldn’t have to sign it.

I turned the position down because the medical benefits sucked compared to what I already had.