employer/subcontractor contract

[mkra1103]

State of New Jersey work in local nursing facility and provide hair care to residents there for past 5 years..work as subcontractor for small LLC company that provides hair care in nursing facilites throughout the eastern US...signed contract with company and so did nursing facility that states i cannot work for facility for 1 year after resignation or termination....is contract legal and is there a way to break it..would like to work as subcontractor for nursing facility and get rid of middle man but fear a lawsuit...don't know if they would but want to know my options and legallity....i am paid every 2 wks by LLC on commision basis have had problems with LLC such as paychecks coming later and later by mail,bounced pay checks and supplies orders delayed can anyone help....cannot afford attorney for legal advice