Many employers now require applicants to sign an extensive non-compete agreement such that you cannot work for a rival, or perceived rival, for a period of time following your departure from the company. Is this fair? California has as a matter of public policy banned all non-competes for individual contributors as it bans their free association of their skill set with whomever they wish to work for, in effect constraining their free choice of employment. All other states have/allow various forms of non-competes. Note that this does not apply to business owners just the employees of the business entity. Compare various aspects of non-compete agreements and the ethics behind the policies. Are they fair to the employee? Why would a company care about this at the individual employee level? What would you require if it were your business (which it may be some day).