New top story on Hacker News: Ask HN: Should I pass on a new job because they want me to sign a non-compete?

Ask HN: Should I pass on a new job because they want me to sign a non-compete?
11 by trentnix | 10 comments on Hacker News.
I took a few months off after the birth of my third child and am looking for a new job. I found an opportunity with a great team at an interesting company but there was a catch. After receiving an offer, I inquired if they required a non-compete and sure enough, there is a 1-year non-compete with the following conditions: following the termination of my relationship with the Company for any reason, whether with cause or without cause, at the option either of the Company or myself, with or without notice ... any business in competition with the Company's business as conducted by the Company during the course of my employment with the Company I'm not a fan of non-competes generally but considering this was written to include any business that the Company believes is a competitor (no idea what kind of scope that entails) and asserts enforcement irrespective of who terminated the employment relationship, I told them I wasn't willing to sign it. I have a friend who was pursued by a previous employer for violating a non-compete and even though he eventually won, it cost an immense amount of money, time (18 months!), and pain to fight. I've also heard horror stories of being presented with a non-compete to sign after starting the new job and leaving previous employment. That kind of behavior seems especially devious, but it seems pretty common as well. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill or should I stand my ground? Anyone else found themselves in a similar situation? Anyone been pursued by a previous employer due to a non-compete?