I'm evaluating a job offer, and it's the first time I've been asked to sign a non-compete clause. This will be my second role, and first management role, in a small-ish field (about 2.5M jobs nationally), and the restriction is 12 months in the 50 states. I had been imagining I would be in this role 4-10 years and move on.

A complicating factor that I don't think it's enforceable. The company is in a different state, and I'm in OR, which has a minimum "salary and commissions" requirement for enforcement. In 2026 that amount is $119,541. I'm being offered $106k + 10% target bonus. I don't think the bonus is considered in the "salary and commissions" but even if it is, I'm presently below the enforcement amount. I suppose I could possibly get promoted and be above that amount in the future.

Can anyone share experiences moving on from a role with a non-compete in place? Are they a normal part of going up the corporate ladder in some fields? Do I sign it and chuckle that they have no power?…