The Location Secret Hidden Inside Your Contract
Here is the plain English version: the phrase "any nursing or personal care facility Employer services" is doing a massive amount of secret work in this contract.
If you read this rule broadly, it does not just stop you from working for a rival boss. Instead, it stops you from working at a specific list of physical locations, no matter which company sends you there.
This is a totally different kind of rule:
- Standard Rule: "Do not go work for our direct competitor down the street." (Limits who you work for).
- Location Rule: "Do not step foot inside these 50 buildings to do your job." (Limits where you can physically stand, no matter who is paying your wage).
If a new agency hires you and tries to place you at one of those 50 buildings, this contract claims you are breaking the rule.
Why Fake Promises and Bonuses Matter
The detail about the sign-on holiday bonus—which turned out to be completely fake—is a major warning sign.
It proves that the friendly talk used to make you sign a document does not always match real life. You must look at the contract rules and the rewards with the exact same careful eye. Never let a promised prize rush you into signing a bad agreement.
Real Example: When Contract Words Get Fuzzy
What You Can Do Right Now
- Find out if it limits the boss or the building: Read the words closely. Does it block specific competing companies, or does it block physical addresses?
- Look for the word "indirectly": Check if phrases like "indirectly" or "jointly with others" try to stop you from working with outside hiring agencies.
- Check for definitions: See if vague words like "recruit" or "solicit" are actually explained anywhere else in the document.
- Make sure the bonus is real first: If they offer you cash or a perk to sign, get that promise written into a real contract before you sign the non-compete.
The Bottom Line on Location Non-Competes
A non-compete that lists specific buildings instead of rival companies can trap your career much more than you think. It can follow you to a completely different company and block you from doing your job.
Reading exactly what is being blocked, word by word, is how you turn an unsafe feeling into a clear understanding of your rights.
Not Sure What Your Clause Means?
If you have a document in front of you and are not sure what it actually says, paste it below. You will get a plain-English breakdown in seconds — no lawyer required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a non-compete restrict who I work for or where I can work?
It depends entirely on the exact words. Some contracts list specific rival companies. Others list physical addresses or buildings. If it lists buildings, you can be blocked even if a brand-new boss sends you there.
What does "directly or indirectly" mean in a non-compete?
It usually means the ban covers more than just a regular new job. It can stop you from taking independent contracts, freelance gigs, or placement work through an outside agency.
Does a QR code or a social media link count as recruiting clients?
This depends on how the word "recruit" is defined in your specific contract. Vague words like this are always worth asking about directly instead of guessing.
How is a geographic radius measured for a remote job?
Older contracts written for in-person jobs do not explain this well. If you work from home, there is often no physical office address to measure the miles from, making the rule highly debatable.