LEaving a job - signed a Non-compete - Why should I tell them where Im going?

Hello Hello, I worked at a bulge bracket now I'm working for a big broker. I'm getting ready to make another move. I signed a non-compete, leaving could impact my stock awards, and they could even stop me from working for 6 months, but they have only ever enforced that in special cases and I don't think I qualify. In any case, I want to know how they could possibly know if I go work for competitor. When I left the bulge bracket I didn't tell them what company I went to and I wouldn't this time either. I'll keep it off social media, I'd even post a red herring... Is there some mechanism companies routinely use to check on former employees? Thanks

4 Comments
 
Best Response

I don't know, but I think it would be unwise to try and skirt your current employer. One quick check of your licenses will show that you work for the competitor and then they could very easily enforce the non-compete if they so choose.

I'm guessing that the new company is also going to be pretty pissed when you say that you aren't under any non-competes but then they find out you are. Actually, I'm pretty sure that's a firable offense too.

So worst case is you're out of a job and in legal trouble for being dishonest. That's going to really hurt you for the rest of your career.

Best case is nothing happens. And then everything falls in between.

I've never been in this situation and have no idea what your company's policy is here but I have signed at least two non-competes and each time I made sure to stay as far away from the subject as possible in other jobs during the period. Call me risk-averse when it comes to legal matters that can impact my career.

 

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