Thread: Stuck, between a rock and a hard place

Originally Posted by HPP

Both sides of the fence have their pros and cons. One side isn't better or worse, but I'd have to say from experience, doing your own thing comes with a lot more work, more stress and not necessarily more money. The advantage is freedom and the ability to choose your own path. I'm sitting on the other side from you and sometimes a good paycheck/steady hours/benefits looks very compelling.

I will never tell anyone to not jump out of the regular job world and into the business world, but I'd suggest being as informed as possible before you did so.

I have as much freedom as I want right now, but I am full comm. so there are no steady paychecks or hours. I work just as many hours as anybody... in the insurance world the house takes 70% though. So I get the 30%

Most non-competes state that you cant affect the issuers livelihood by means of a certain task or trade that they invested in you.

In oklahoma, non-competes are a joke. As with most states, they just keep you from taking the clients you gained to another company. But even then, its still up to the client to decide who they purchase from..

Ive had plenty of non-compete agreements in my life and as long as your smart about your business plan and ETHICS, you will be fine. They cant keep you from making YOUR livelyhood with YOUR trade.

Go for it.. I did. And have never looked back..

^1+

I was with a material handling company for 5 years. I left and went back over to packaging which would not be an issue with my non-compete. After being at that company under 4 months, I was laid off and they filed Ch. 11. I stayed out of material handling for 12 months to honor my non-compete. I joined Indoff in March of 2009 where we are 100% commission and allowed to run our business as if we were self employed. Best of both worlds since I have true freedom and don't have to take care of my own HR, benefits, or A/R & A/P. In July of 2009 I was quoting a project and the client contacted my old material handling employer for a quote as well. Subsequently, I received a phone call informing me I was voiding my non-compete since it was for 24 months and not 12 as I understood. Virginia is a right to work state and non-competes will not hold up in the courts. Where the employer has the advantage is he can threaten you legally, make you hire a lawyer, and tie you up in legal fees. If you have a spare $5000 or $6000 to get a lawyer or have a family/friend that will help you out, you're golden. I didn't and I bided my time and ducked/weaved. I have 2-1/2 weeks left and my term is done. It can't come soon enough.

Joining Indoff is the best decision I've ever made for my career. The first year has been a struggle, but starting a business, new territory, or new commission only sales job always is. I'll never look back and everyday I learn something new, talk to someone new, and help another L4P member source an industrial requirement. It's allowed me to become a sponsor on here and make a whole new network of friends, clients, and connections.

If you're on the fence, go for it!

Oh I'm staying out of this one Justin.... I know nothing of non compete clauses; I've never been paid enough money to have to sign one of those. You all know my thoughts on going solo but it isn't for everyone and you really need a good plan before you do it.

well I decided to switch companies to something more stable and best of all somewhere that will teach me even more then I already know and they will pay me to learn. Its going to be a great switch. They even took the time for their attorney to take a look at my non compete and its void. They had me sign it 3 months after I started with them...

Congrats!!! I signed mine 6 or 7 months after coming on board with my previous employer. In hind site, I kind of wished I would have fought it. Doesn't matter. Mine's all over next week!

Originally Posted by Revved

Oh I'm staying out of this one Justin.... I know nothing of non compete clauses; I've never been paid enough money to have to sign one of those. You all know my thoughts on going solo but it isn't for everyone and you really need a good plan before you do it.

I studied this in Contract and business law. If i knew more about the situation i could give you a better explination of whats in your power.

Originally Posted by Sikklightning

I studied this in Contract and business law. If i knew more about the situation i could give you a better explination of whats in your power.

I can tell you as much as you want. Feel free to pm me... Basically I started on Feb 1st and I signed it on April 3rd. So my contract is void in Oregon Law based on that.

But with this new company I can write insurance in 28 states and I am not hand cuffed by anything. Its going to be a great experience here.

I'm not sure about the non-competes, even though I signed one a few years ago in Virginia. Granted it was for a law firm, a patent one at that, and it was making sure I wouldn't work for a rival law firm "in the area" i believe. But I signed the clause because I was getting a decent severance pay also.

I'm not sure how non competes work if you just quit. But I do agree, they're pretty much a joke when it comes to the Commonwealth....