Non-compete: leave without offer in hand?
I’m a dev in the US at a firm with a long paid non compete. I’m currently looking to leave, either for another firm in the industry or switch to tech. I wouldn’t mind having some time off tbh.
My firm does give long non competes for people without anything lined up, and stops enforcing/paying early if you start working outside the industry.
Do most people with a non compete:
- Only leave with another offer in hand
- Leave without an offer, then recruit while waiting out non compete
It does feel like I’d have more leverage if I’m currently employed while recruiting. On the other hand, I worry how much of a disadvantage it is for me if every firm has to weigh waiting out my non compete. Also it would be nice to have more time to prep for interviews while being off.
Lmk if you went through this and how it went for you!