I've also heard of similar arrangements where companies pay a certain percentage of the salary (if not the entire salary) for the duration the non-compete. I do

I've also heard of similar arrangements where companies pay a certain percentage of the salary (if not the entire salary) for the duration the non-compete. I don't think it's very common, especially lately. I've never received that type of offer. I will say that depending on the circumstances, that type of offer could be a very reasonable solution. When I think back to my current job situation that I already discussed in this thread, in theory I might have accepted that type of offer. Although I really don't see how it would benefit my current company today. We're still a small company and run things pretty lean. That type of expense for them would be pretty prohibitive. They are better off just letting me do my job, help grow their business and when the day comes that I walk away, they will most definitely be able to find a solid replacement who will take the business to the next level.