Quote:
Originally Posted by tumbleweed
I am at the point where I am considering opening my own business. I have just enough clients to do it, my question, to those who own thier own business.
What was the final impetus that made you take the plunge?
Did you feel better once you made the decision to work for yourself?
Just curious, I think mine happened today.
I work for Company X, we are contracted to Company Y to perform work. We have not had a contract, just an agreement. It has been this way for at least 20 years. Company X is the reason I moved to Louisiana, and I love it here, I know have 2 kids with this coonass from Houma and I don't want to leave.
So Company Y offers me a job since Company X, my current employer is trying to move me to Wisconsin. I turn down the offer to move to Wisconsin and accept the job with Company Y. Company X sends me a letter today stating they will be taking me to court because of the Non Compete Agreement I signed 15 years ago when I started with Company X.
So I think I will take the plunge...
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Well, hope this helps. My dad was a test case in front of the Louisiana Supreme Court in the 70's. His employer at the time was trying to transfer him for the 7 time in 6 years. He had told them he was tired of moving and was not going to make another transfer since he had small kids and was trying to get them established in one area. He was a supervising manager for Orkin, and they had him cleaning up other people's pile of dunn all over. Well, they came to him with another one, so he kicked them to the curve and started his own exterminating business. As soon as he got his license, they filed suit, and won. The current district attorney of St. Landry Parish was my dad's lawyer and it went all the way to the supreme court. It was ruled that La. is a "right to work state" and no one can keep an individual from earning a living. - I think the case still pops up on Google - "Orkin vs. Foti".
I know in the oilfield, I run across people in this situation all the time. I have yet to see someone get sued for it, but I have also seen people not want to take the chance and wait for the time to expire before jumping in to the fryer. Also, I would get a tablet and make two columns - "Pro's" on one side, "Con's" on the other. Take into consideration insurance, vacation time, hours worked, stress, and so on! Look at each column and you will have to decide with your wife if it is the right move for you and your FAMILY!!! I owned my own business (small) years ago, and the day I got the offer to be purchased for twice what I started it with we went to draw up the papers! It worked out for me, but I would start another one in a New York minute if I had to! - Good luck w/ your decision!