Non compete agreements

[sonza]

Iowa law.

Been with my company for seven years. Just received word last week we are "downsizing"; can relocate to Corp office, or take severance. Lots of reasons why can't/don't want to relocate, so am taking severance. Staying at job till 2/1 and then 3 months sev.

Question: I know I signed a non-compete with co seven years ago (a basic one that just says I can't go out and work for a competitor if I leave), and now, to get the severance, they want me to sign one that states I will not go out and work for a competitor, but also wont' work for or solicit any existing clients. So that pretty much would shelve any networking I ever did. I would not be able to go work for a client (and that is a possibility right now), or solicit OTHER clients if that company hired me. How do I get out of this? I have not signed my severance package non compete, and have to on 1/14, so need a pretty quick answer, if you could.

How truly enforceable are these non-competes?

Thanks.

 

[cbg]

I know it's past the date you had to sign, but I've been out of town with no internet access and only just saw the question.

Non-competes are very fact specific, and how well they will stand up will depend on both the exact wording and your state law. I hope you took it to an employment lawyer for review.