This just goes to show you should always get specific exemptions from their non-compete policy in writing. For example, I refused to accept full time employmen

This just goes to show you should always get specific exemptions from their non-compete policy in writing. For example, I refused to accept full time employment at my present company before the legal department struck several clauses from their non-compete, and added a specific clause saying that all iPhone software I develop on my own is my personal property, so long as I don't compete directly against them. Most employers have overly broad clauses like "everything you write is our property," and I let them know right up front I would never hire on with a clause like that. It definitely took some negotiation, and I had an advantage in that I had been a contractor for 1 year previously, and they really wanted me full time. Eventually, they got what they wanted, a full time employee, and I got what I wanted, full time employment with the ability to develop my own iPhone software on the side and retain ownership of my software, as long as it doesn't directly compete with them. This was back in 2007. You definitely need to be careful what you agree to, but most companies try to get you to sign non-compete agreements that are over broad and unenforceable.