It's almost impossible to find a software job without a non-compete in Texas. It's less of a problem when it's a smaller company with a narrow focus, vs a Googl

It's almost impossible to find a software job without a non-compete in Texas. It's less of a problem when it's a smaller company with a narrow focus, vs a Google that arguably "competes" with every other software company out there (this is part of why I've always opted for small companies). For example, my current company makes software for the energy sector, so I might not be able to go straight to a job at another company making software for the energy sector. I don't think it would apply to much else. To me, that seems reasonable and it doesn't really bother me. Now, there's another type of clause that you often (but not always) run into where companies will claim ownership of everything you create while employed there (sometimes scoped to a vague "related to work", but not scoped by "on company time" or "with company equipment"). I've read horror stories about those, and I've flat-out turned down offers based on that alone. My private creative life is my lifeblood and I will not give someone the slightest bit of power over it. So I only accept if that part is missing or at least properly scoped to the hours/equipment that belong to my employer. Sometimes smaller companies will be willing to tweak the contract if you voice your concerns; larger companies usually won't because it just gets handed down from Legal. Best of luck.