A few months ago my department was dissolved in the various teams reassigned to other departments.

Anonymous

February 17,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

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A few months ago my department was dissolved in the various teams reassigned to other departments. Since then there has been no communication, different aspects of my job have been taken on by people in other departments, resulting in duplicated work, without a common leader, it feels very disjointed. I don’t understand the direction my team is going in and I’m starting to think about looking for other jobs. However, my employer has a strict do not compete clause which they follow up on and to be honest. I think I would be happier leaving the industry I’m in. Problem is I don’t know what I would do if I’m not doing what I’m doing today. I know I have transferable skills. I don’t’ believe that I will make anywhere near as much money. If I change industries again does anyone have any experience with this and how did you approach changing industries without salary backslide?

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AnonymousFebruary 17,2024 at 8:33PM UTC
Your current situation sounds dreadful, and I hope that you will explore other options. Consider working with a career coach to identify transferable skills and other industries that might be of interest to you.
Check and see if your state is one of the ones that has invalidated non-compete clauses.
You might also want to study your firm’s non-compete clause to see if there are loopholes. For example, can you stay in your current industry in a different role? Can you go to work in an allied, but not identical, industry?
AnonymousFebruary 17,2024 at 11:17PM UTC
Non-compete agreements are hard to enforce, especially in a right-to-work state. However, that doesn't stop your company from trying to keep you from working at another company, especially if you have commented to anyone about taking your skills to a competing company. Check with your state's Department of Labor on the enforceability of non-compete agreements.
In any case, they cannot stop you from working in the same industry, only for a job directly affecting a competing product or service from the company you are leaving in the same or similar role. This usually applies to high-level executives, marketing, sales, and R&D positions (especially subject matter experts). It may also apply to some customer service positions. While other positions may be required to sign the agreement, the company is not likely to go after someone who does not pose a direct threat to their proprietary information.
To be honest about a job pivot, it is hard to do without a hit to the earning potential unless the industry you pivot to is aligned with the one you are leaving. In that case, consider the best option to be a lateral move and highlight your transferrable skills. I did a 180-degree pivot to something that meant starting at the bottom, and the hit to the earning potential was substantial (less than half). I am happier and much less stressed, and I feel like what I am doing now makes a much more significant difference in the lives of more people than the corporate job I had that mainly enriched the executives.
AnonymousFebruary 18,2024 at 2:17PM UTC
I think it’s important to be realistic in terms of salary disparities when moving from one company to another. It can be frustrating, but I really think that it all depends on the individual company. You may not get the salary you had at the previous job. That’s a reality. You could also find another position and receive more than your previous one. There are a lot of jobseekers out there. The good thing is that with experience and proven success, you have a better chance at receiving the salary you want.
AnonymousFebruary 19,2024 at 6:25PM UTC
Most states can no longer enforce non-compete clauses. Check with your local jurisdiction to be sure. It is likely unless you can package your existing skills as ones where you can transfer them you will take a hit in terms of comp. You could go to leadership and express your concern about the lack of cohesion and the want to have more clarity and your continued commitment to the business during this time. Give it 60-90 days after that conversation for changes to happen. Be the change you might decide it is worth staying. If you don't speak up you will not know, it might be worth a try.