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Cube Farmer Moonlight Policy - Catch 22

 
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ayjay

posts: 17

Jan 08, 2008 8:26 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Greeting SUN and Cube Dweller Forum. I am new to the site, but a long time cube dweller/entrepreneur wannabe.
 
Here`s my quandary. I have a full-time job as an engineer, but I`d like to start a side business. One of my more reasonable ideas is to do some professional contract work on the side.  I would not offer the same type of work I do for my employer (it wouldn`t even be actual engineering), but while it`s not something where I`d be competing with my employer, I think it borders on violating our strict outside employment policy.

I`d like the forum`s input on this policy.
 
An employee should not engage in any outside activity or employment that interferes with the performance of assigned duties with [X]. This interference includes the inability to work overtime hours requested by management. Outside employment that constitutes a conflict of interest is expressly prohibited. This includes working for competitors of [X] or performing duties whereby the employee is competing with the firm. It also includes working for suppliers of materials, equipment or services purchased or specified by [X]. To reiterate, an employee shall not undertake to perform or provide professional or technical services other than those assigned by [X].
 
Now, I know someone will say that you should know what you sign up for when you take a job, but I`m sure no one asks about the outside employment policy in an interiew.
 
Are most corp policies this strict? Do you think I really would be bound to not providing ANY technical/professional services, as I`ve interpretted. Or would the less-strict interpretation of just being available for OT, not working for competitors or suppliers, etc. be your interpretation? 
 
Thanks for the feedback.
 
aj
ayjay1/8/2008 8:27 PM
nhgnikole

posts: 2660

Jan 09, 2008 2:45 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Wow, I`ve never had a company tell me that I couldn`t get a second job. That`s ... incredible.
JanetB

posts: 82

Jan 09, 2008 12:46 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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AJ,
I work in HR and have never seen such a restrictive policy.  The last sentence is the problematic one I believe.  Overall I think the intent is to not have you competing with your own company, and to make sure that you are available for OT.  I don`t think a company can restrict what you do on your own time if you are not competing.  However, you may want to get a legal opinion to be on the safe side.
Janet
CraigL

posts: 9051

Jan 09, 2008 11:44 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Jeez...this sounds like one of those contracts where you, as a researcher, own nothing whatsoever of whatever you invent or develop for "X."

However, from my reading of it, NOT being an attorney!...it looks as if you`d be okay. The problem I see is in the vague, blank-check on "overtime."

Suppose you have a project and a deadline, and suddenly your supervisor springs a big overtime demand at your regular job. If you can`t meet that obligation, you`re in violation of the contract.

If that`s the case, then just make sure that whatever outside work you take on allows you the flexibility to *always* meet overtime demands by the main company, without causing trouble for your own contract work.
BradBurnette

posts: 22

Mar 27, 2008 8:46 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Can`t help you with that policy, but I am curious about a few things. Where are you an engineer at? Have you considered entering the business world in an area completely outside of what you do for the company you work for? And probably the most important thing I could think to ask, since you say you are an aspiring entrepreneur, is why? What do you want to do/have/accomplish that entrepreneurial ventures offer for you that jobs don`t?

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