Should I proceed and work for competition if I signed a non-compete?

Question

I work at an FBO servicing private and general aviation planes in FL. Was offered work next-door doing the same job, as line service technician (lowest in the food chain). Employer was very derrogatory and is threatening to pursue non-compete with legal action. Others have done the same thing, and left to no effect, but employer might be using me as example. Position holds no level of importance or secrecy. There is nothing I can take from them and pass on... Could I go on and start at the other company and dismiss this; even if employer found out where I'm going? What could the consequences be if they decide to enforce it???

Answer 1

If the non-compete agreement is unreasonable then even if they do try to enforce it against you, the court main not enforce it against you. The public policy is to increase individual autonomy and freedom. The trend is against enforcement of non-compete agreements. How far away is "next door,"? How long is the non-compete agreement in years? Did you have a choice in signing it ,or was it a standard form? When you signed it, did you know what you were signing? If everyone else is going to work for the competitor without having any consequences, you could too. Has anyone at work specifically threatened you?

Answer 2

Once you sign a non-compete, you are agreeing to it and by going against it, you might as well be screaming you can't be trusted and that your word is crap. Its not your job to justify why the company had you sign it and why. You signed it PERIOD!

My brother-in-law and sister did it and the FBI got involved, froze their bank accounts, seized a brand new Mustang 5.0 and three carat tennis bracelet they paid cash for.

I personally believe it is these moral situations that determine where we go once its all said and done.

I'm not going to tell you what to do, only you can decide.

Answer 3

You have signed a contract and that would be a violation. In court they will rule with your boss.

Answer 4

THREATEN THEM WITH A SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAW SUIT SAY MANAGER TOUCHED YOUR BACK SIDE OR SOMETHING AND YOU WILL SUE IF THEY DON'T LEAVE YOU ALONE.