Before signing the contract, ask for clear written exceptions to the requirement. In my very limited experience on the subject, I have been able to secure exce

Before signing the contract, ask for clear written exceptions to the requirement. In my very limited experience on the subject, I have been able to secure exceptions to such policies for side projects and ongoing work that are clearly unrelated to the company's business. They're happy, I'm happy. Getting the exception in writing early helps both sides of the contract negotiation to be happy before the relationship even begins.