Can I contract out services the same as my employer?

Question

A customer wants to pay me separately as opposed to my employer because I can offer the same training for half the price. Is this illegal to do, and if so what could be the consequences? (other than possibly getting fired)

Answer 1

if you made the contact in your normal employment, then the relationship arguably belongs to your employer, not to you. Certainly, a written employment contract drawn up by any competent attorney would so state.

In Florida, taking the work on the side would be a crime. It is called theft of business opportunity. Not only would you get fired, but the crime is a felony if the amount is enough to make it worth your interest. So there'd be thousands or tens of thousands in criminal fine and a possible prison sentence as well.

Not every jurisdiction is as stern in this matter as Florida. And, morally speaking, if the relationship belongs to your employer, it isn't yours for the taking.

Now, if the potential customer approached you offering a job doing for them what you do for your current employer the issue might well be different. I'd suggest that your current employer would then be owed [morally] a finder's fee just like an employment agency -- but i'd bargain on the amount as the potential hiring company since your present employer has already made a profit on your efforts.


does this help?

Answer 2

Not at all Illegal, you can at anytime go out on your own, unless you have signed some form of non compete, with your employer, it just comes down to the respect you have for your employer..