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If it's not in your contract, it doesn't exist for the purposes of law. That's good, because it means they can't take claim of any IP from your startup (which i
by nkohari 17y ago
If it's not in your contract, it doesn't exist for the purposes of law. That's good, because it means they can't take claim of any IP from your startup (which is the most important thing). The common wisdom in the US is that if you don't use your employer's time, resources, or equipment, and you don't compete materially with them, you're fine.
That being said, at least in the US, employment is at-will, and companies can fire you for pretty much any reason. Arguably, a side business is a large distraction. For example, what happens if someone needs support during business hours?
- DeusExMachina 17y agoActually I assured them that this will never be the case. I've done this before and never took time from other companies. I don't even check my startup email while I am at work. Given the kind of apps I develop (as of now) it nearly impossible that someone will need urgent support.
- lena 17y agoThat being said, at least in the US, employment is at-will, and companies can fire you for pretty much any reason. This is not the case in the Netherlands (where the OP is). Employees are fairly well protected here, apart from the first month or months. That's the "probation period" (proeftijd) when an employer can fire you for any reason. It is also likely that initially you are employed for one year, which means that the company is free to fire you after that year (it's not technically firing of course, just a contract that ends). After that, people usually get a permanent contract and firing gets more difficult.