Aaron wrote:
> A not-so-hypothetical scenario... it the middle of your 3rd week on a new
> job 

-snip-

> What are your thoughts on the above and what would you do?
> 
> Aaron

When I was young and hungry, I probably would have signed something like 
this... I never had to so this is all hypothetical.  But when you have 
few job choices, a wife, two kids and a dog, not to mention a mortgage, 
you will pretty much sign anything.

That being said, I personally would not sign this one for several reasons.

1. They are pulling a total bullshit deal on you by not showing you this 
at the outset.  That says to me that they want you.  They were afraid 
you would not work for them if you knew about this.

2. Once when I actually did have someone ask me to sign something 
similar to this, I refused.  That was the end of it.  No one came to 
twist my arm.  I was doing a good job and they were not going to can me 
for the sake of a piece of paper.

3. The last portion is not legal in many of the 50 states of the U.S. 
In most states, they cannot prevent you from obtaining gainful 
employment in your profession.

(No, IANAL; yes, ANYONE can sue you at ANYTIME for ANYTHING; but at 
least in California, the courts take a dim view of these contracts.)

4. Finally: Self esteem.

In the end, Aaron, you must decide how to play your cards.  Do you like 
this job enough to sign this?  Do you think you will ever have 
circumstances that would put you in jeopardy of it?  Do you have other 
choices for employment?

BTW, all this on my part is total guessing.  I am sitting by the fire, 
enjoying life with a glass of wine.  But it is you who will have to live 
with your decisions so don't listen too much to old farts like me. 
Sometimes (often) it is required that we swallow our pride and just get 
on with life.



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