I realize that there are many times when non-compete clauses are examples of big companies punching down at low-level workers, but I've also watched them work o

I realize that there are many times when non-compete clauses are examples of big companies punching down at low-level workers, but I've also watched them work out well for the low-level workers too. At least two of my friends have been good enough to be poached by competitors who were willing to pay them to take a 4-8 month vacation until the non-compete ran out. They loved the long vacation. All things being equal, a fluid marketplace with many options is best for all sides. Businesses that are too strict with their non-competes also risk driving away potential workers. In my experience, the businesses only ask for the non-competes when they're giving someone a significant amount of responsibility.