An NDA would suffice in that case. Not being able to work work in the same field for up to 2 years (non-compete) and not disclosing internal ip, processes, etc

An NDA would suffice in that case. Not being able to work work in the same field for up to 2 years (non-compete) and not disclosing internal ip, processes, etc when you go work at another company (NDA) in the field are much different. Preventing someone from working in a field and not disclosing or sharing secrets/ip are two different animals. NDAs are useful and I use them myself when contractors work with us, but non-competes create a very master/slave type of relationship, ownership of someone's skill that they need to work. Paid non-competes are something that isn't as bad but non paid non-competes are horrible for the little guy and really a form of ownership that really goes against 'pro-business' ideals for smaller companies trying to compete while seemingly being 'pro-business' for the company doling out non-competes (big fish). Contractors can't be told where to work, how to work or times to work, why are we allowing companies to tell skilled workers what they can and can't work on after the contract is up aside from what is under NDA?