Stage 1 · Lesson 2 of 7
IP, non-compete, side work and bond clauses
Some clauses in a contract reach beyond your working hours. An (IP) clause says who owns what you create. It may give the employer rights to code you write, sometimes even outside work.
A may limit where you can work after you leave. A side work or moonlighting clause may restrict freelancing or work. A training bond may ask you to repay money if you leave early.
How far these can be enforced depends heavily on the country, so do not assume either way. Read them, ask HR what they mean in practice, and get advice if a clause could block your plans.
Common trapquietly continuing work that your contract forbids, which can end a job during probation.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeJob Scams (FTC Consumer Advice)
US Federal Trade Commission
The warning signs of fake job offers and payment requests, useful wherever you live
- BookPaidThe Missing README: A Guide for the New Software Engineer
Chris Riccomini and Dmitriy Ryaboy (No Starch Press) · Beginner · $29.99 print, $23.99 ebook
Read the first two chapters before you start: what the first year looks like and how you will learn
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- The Pragmatic EngineerGo deeper
How tech companies work from the inside, when you want the wider picture of your new industry