FTC non-compete

Let's Get Personal: My Brush with a Non-Compete
I remember the day I signed my non-compete agreement like it was yesterday. I was fresh out of college, eager to start my career, and terrified of making a mistake. The HR rep assured me that the non-compete was just a formality, "just to protect the company's interests."
Well, fast forward a few years, and I found myself in a situation where I wanted to leave my job for a better opportunity. But guess what? My non-compete agreement came back to haunt me. It prohibited me from working for any competitor within a 50-mile radius for two years. Yeah, you read that right. Two years!

The Non-Compete Epidemic: A Plague on the American Workforce
My story is not an isolated incident. In fact, non-compete agreements have become increasingly common over the last few decades. Today, an estimated one-third of American workers are subject to a non-compete agreement. And it's not just high-level executives who are affected. Non-competes are now being used against low-wage workers, such as cashiers and delivery drivers.
The Real World Impact of Non-Competes
So, what's the big deal? Why should we care about non-competes? Well, for starters, they stifle innovation and economic growth. When workers are unable to move freely between jobs, it limits competition and prevents new businesses from emerging.

It's a form of wage suppression. Non-competes prevent workers from negotiating higher salaries and benefits, as they know that their options are limited.
It's a barrier to entrepreneurship. Non-competes make it difficult for workers to start their own businesses, as they may be prohibited from competing with their former employer.
It's a threat to our freedom. Non-competes restrict our ability to choose where we work and how we earn a living. They are a violation of our basic human rights.

The Fight Against Non-Competes
The good news is that there is a growing movement to fight back against non-competes. In recent years, several states have passed laws that limit or ban non-competes. And the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against employers who use non-competes unfairly.

What You Can Do
If you are subject to a non-compete agreement, there are a few things you can do:
- Read the agreement carefully. Make sure you understand what it says and what it means for you.
- Talk to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you determine whether your non-compete agreement is enforceable and what your options are.
- File a complaint with the FTC. The FTC can investigate employers who use non-competes unfairly.
- Get involved in the fight against non-competes. Contact your state legislators and let them know that you support laws that limit or ban non-competes.
The Future of Non-Competes
The future of non-competes is uncertain. But one thing is for sure: the fight is not over. We must continue to raise our voices and demand an end to this unfair and harmful practice.