There is acceptable gray if you're willing to live within the consequences. Big companies never do work until the contract is signed. Smaller companies live w

There is acceptable gray if you're willing to live within the consequences. Big companies never do work until the contract is signed. Smaller companies live within the ambiguity. ("If we mess up, we're out of business anyway.") Big companies may never sign someone who has a non-compete. Small companies take the risk. ("It's not enforceable") If you cross too often and too far, that's when you get into trouble.