Whoa! A post from Leofwynn! :)
I'm trying to escape from NYC, and move to Philly. To that end, I interviewed for a position with a company that offers software support for major applications (Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, Blackberries, etc). They offered me the job, but there are some rather serious strings attached and I wanted to know people's opinions on if these strings sound normal or not. The strings are as follows:
1. I must sign a contract saying that I will not quit (or be fired for cause) for 13 months from the date of employment, and if I do I owe the company $5000. This is because they train you for the first three months (and ongoing after that) on major, popular software, obviously a transferable and valuable skill set.
2. Non-competition clause stating that I cannot work in a position supporting the software they taught me about anywhere within 100 miles of Philly for a year after I quit (or am fired for cause). Also, cannot work for any of the companies that they offer software support to in a software support role for a year. Also, cannot work for a handful of specific companies that they mention in the contract (places like IBM and Microsoft) for a year.
3. Only 6 days of vacation the first year. Only 3 sick/personal days the first year.
4. Hours are 8:30-5:30 with a 15 min break in the morning, a 15 min break in the afternoon and only half an hour for lunch.
5. Its all computerized and they're watching your every move.
So, those are pretty much the negatives. The positives are that it would be a way for me, who has zero experience in tech (but is interested in it) to see if I like it without an initial outlay of lots of money to go to school for it. Also, since its over-the-phone software support, I would be working with both people and computers, two things that I interact pretty well with most of the time. Its not just straight technical work.
I don't want to post the exact amount they would be paying me on LJ here, but let me assure you that it is reasonable, but not terribly high, and this is most definitely considered an entry-level position.
Ok, so that's the story. I have a week and a half to decide. So, do you think all their "strings" sound normal for the tech industry/corporate America? Coming from a non-profit social service environment, as I am, it all seems rather Nazi-like and super strict. Thoughts? Opinions?
Thanks for reading my saga and thanks in advance for any help with this! :)