For what it's worth, this is exactly the reason non-competes do make sense to enforce. (or in this specific instance non-solicitation agreements). Not to say y

For what it's worth, this is exactly the reason non-competes do make sense to enforce. (or in this specific instance non-solicitation agreements). Not to say you necessarily did anything wrong, since I don't know anything about your situation except for your comment. But take a "typical" case similar to yours, and look at if from the employer's point of view. They give you access to stability (a salary), office/equipment, potentially training, potentially their reputation. All of which helps you get a client and focus solely on the client. If, after all their investment, you can walk off with the client, depriving them of the income that they would've earned, then that makes it less likely for future employers to make these kinds of investments in people. (Again, this is the generic case for non-solicitation/non-compete, your particular case could be totally different in all the ways that matter).