I work in an industry which is known for having people have two or three or more jobs in a big city in the US. I am trying to cut down on the amount of jobs I have, because the busy season is ramping up and I have a problem saying no.
Most jobs in this field don’t have a non compete clause, but one of the companies I was hired for has one where they say they must grant permission for another job in this industry, and the ones that would be considered are the ones where the material is very different. Then they say I can’t work at a competing company for six months after my last day. During an in person meeting they worded it like “oh we just want to protect ourselves, and we usually say yes to other jobs!” But I know employers lie.
Of course, as a normal person working under capitalism, I have other jobs in the field already that might break the clause. They pay more per hour. Right now, I have a few options.
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Tell the company that I received another offer, wait for them to say that I can’t take the job, and then quit (which might make it obvious I’d be working at the other place)
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Quit without explanation
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Stick with both part-time jobs
This stupid clause has caused me needlessly anxiety when I just want to make some cash.