[jjeaff]

I agree that companies should be able to enforce these contracts. But there should also be more realistic limitations. For one, there needs to be good compensation for the employee. Too often an employee signs a non-compete and gets locked in to a job that isn't paying market rates.

If the company fired you tomorrow, would you still be bound by the non compete?

Many people are and they receive no additional compensation. I think there need to be provisions requiring an additional non-compete accompanied with comeserate severance pay upon termination.