I'm currently studying Physics with an ambition for doing research. As a side-job I am scheduled to start as a developer at a mid-sized domestic IT company tomorrow, based in the Netherlands. I see this as an exciting opportunity of getting introduced into software development at a company, instead of a side-job unrelated to my interests.
Now, I have been proposed the contract a week from my first work-day in advance, after having gone through two job interviews (one with HR and the scrummaster and another one with the CTO and a senior software developer).
In the past week I've talked to HR for some clarifications on some secondary terms of employment unrelated to the non-compete clause. All my questions where answered satisfactory.
But I don't really know what to think about the two-year non-compete clause formulated in the line of Within a timeframe of two-years after the employment termination, the employee is prohibited from conducting business in any way or have business interests or assist third parties, with or without compensation, if this has a relation to the employer's business.
Another clause goes on motivating the non-compete clause; i.e. because the company has made significant developments and R&D investments which allow it to be competitive in its market.
Since the contract isn't signed yet, I'm wondering if the the two-year non-compete is reasonable. And if it isn't, what effect this has for me in the long term. And what would be a reasonable action for me to take, having taken the previous two sentences into consideration?
Since my motivation for this job is fully learning-oriented on gaining experience, with no direct career ambitions in this field, I'm wondering how relevant this clause is to my situation.