If it weren't legal I could go and say "oh, I invented that algorithm in the morning in the shower, sorry company not yours" Creative work, software development

If it weren't legal I could go and say "oh, I invented that algorithm in the morning in the shower, sorry company not yours" Creative work, software development isn't like factory work, where you switch off the assembly line and are done. The complicated part is to find the right balance. Company lawyers will by default be more protective over the company.