Everyone already suggested getting a lawyer -- follow that advice. Pick a lawyer specializing in non-competes specifically in your area. They will be able to ad

Everyone already suggested getting a lawyer -- follow that advice. Pick a lawyer specializing in non-competes specifically in your area. They will be able to advise you on reasonableness of the proposed terms and what you could likely negotiate them down to. Like everything else -- and you already know that -- non-compete terms are negotiable. Your plan is pretty good. Tell them you don't have a problem with the non-compete, but you're uncomfortable with how broad the terms are. Ask to reduce the term (ask for 12 months, they'll likely agree on 24), geographic area (e.g. your specific metro area instead of all of United States), and specific area of application (e.g. "web development for internal oil&gas applications" instead of "programming"). Worst thing that would happen is that they'll tell you to take it or leave it.