non compete if fired

[gmanhere]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I work in Texas and was fired recently. My employer had me sign a non compete at the beginning of my employment.
Does this keep me from working in my current industry if I was fired from my job?

 

[mlane58]

It is impossible to say as no one here can review the document. You need to take it to a local attorney well versed in these agreements.

 

[LeeHarveyBlotto]

As mlane has stated, the devil is in the details in terms of whether the non-complete is likely to stand up.

In VERY general terms, however, if the idea is "I got fired, so the non-compete is void", then no, not so much. If that were the case, anyone who didn't want to live by the agreement would simply act in such a way as to force the employer's hand.

 

[cbg]

There isn't an across-the-board law that says, all non-competes are automatically void if you are fired, if that is what you are asking.

 

[Hot Topic]

I doubt the company would allow you to ignore the non-compete clause because they fired you. It could be argued that an employee who'd been fired would have the "best" reason to get a job with the competition in order to "get even" with the former employer.

You should have asked HR. I'd still call them to get clarification.