"..I'm a fool for signing the contract" You are not a fool. You did what most of us will do given the circumstances. The problem is with these contracts where

"..I'm a fool for signing the contract" You are not a fool. You did what most of us will do given the circumstances. The problem is with these contracts where employers think that they own your soul. Honestly, if you really want to do the side projects, start looking for another job but the bigger the corporation is, the higher the chances that they will make you sign all kinds of stuff. It is a tough battle but with a little bit of homework, you will do fine.