Business writing while working a full-time job--conflict of interest?

slogerot · Aug 1, 2006

Hi everyone. I'm currently a full-time public relations writer for an engineering firm. I'm interested in a PT freelance position for another technology company that I think would help me ease into freelancing in hopes of eventually quitting my FT job.

I've looked at this company and I'm pretty sure they aren't competitive with my company. I've also never heard of them till now. But it makes me nervous to think of doing marketing writing for two companies at once. Has anyone done this? I don't think it'll be a conflict of interest and my current company doesn't prohibit me from working for anyone else while I'm with them.

I'm going to e-mail the job poster and get more information. I'm just curious to hear about anyone else's experience with this situation. Thanks!

Tish Davidson · Aug 1, 2006

Did you sign any kind of agreement with your current company when you hired on that might define competitors and your relationship to them in terms of current or future employment? Many companies have policies that a new hire signs along with a zillion other papers when they are first hired and they either never read the non-compete agreement or they forget about it. I'd say your first step is to be absolutely sure of your current company's position on additional part-time work in the same field.

slogerot · Aug 1, 2006

I know I signed something saying I couldn't work for a competitor for two years after I leave the company, but I don't remember anything else. Guess I'll have to dig up that contract I signed. Thanks for the advice.

aarthurco · Aug 3, 2006

Ditto

Ditto the previous poster. Most companies prefer you do not work with a company that is in direct competition with them, whether currently working with them or after leaving for a designated time. You'll have to dig up the agreement and possibly consult with someone to make sure you don't violate your contract.

GL!

Aesposito · Aug 17, 2006

If you did not sign a non-compete, I say go for it. I worked for (insert major non-profit healthcare organization here, LOL) and wrote plenty of freelance healthcare and pediatric articles on the side....sometimes even using sources from my own employer.

I just made sure to be upfront about it, ie "Hi Dr. X, we've spoken before in my capacity as deputy chief blah blah, but now I was wondering if I could ask you some questions for a freelance article I'm working on).

Upfront and honest always works for me, and it should work for you too.

Audrey

razibahmed · Aug 20, 2006

slogerot said:
Hi everyone. I'm currently a full-time public relations writer for an engineering firm. I'm interested in a PT freelance position for another technology company that I think would help me ease into freelancing in hopes of eventually quitting my FT job.

I've looked at this company and I'm pretty sure they aren't competitive with my company. I've also never heard of them till now. But it makes me nervous to think of doing marketing writing for two companies at once. Has anyone done this? I don't think it'll be a conflict of interest and my current company doesn't prohibit me from working for anyone else while I'm with them.

I'm going to e-mail the job poster and get more information. I'm just curious to hear about anyone else's experience with this situation. Thanks!

First be sure that the new company is not even a distant competitor to your FT company. If you face any problem with your FT company then be sure your PT company will take advantage from you.

miketo · Aug 22, 2006

And even if you are in the clear with your current employer's contract, watch out for the inevitable time conflicts. Your current employer will not appreciate your interviewing people during work hours, using the phone or computer to do research, &tc.

I wrote a tech book while working full-time for an employer, but cleared it first so that (a) there was no conflict of interest, and (b) I could work four-tens so that I had evenings and three full days to work on the book independent of my work. It was a fortunate series of circumstances that allowed me to do it; I wouldn't try it now for my current gig.

Allie · Oct 18, 2006

I'd be very very careful. Tech Companies are touchy about confidential information and about your time. In fact, when I worked at (Insert Name of Super Huge Computer Company Here) there was a law suit against an employee because he created software in his free time at home. Granted he was a software developver, but it still makes me nervous.

If everyone at your current employer is fine with it, and you've cleared it with everyone ( I mean everyone) , and the PT employer is okay with it, then have at it.

acousticgroupie · Oct 21, 2006

absolutely be upfront and confirm a non-compete. it's just a protection for them, and for you

Business writing while working a full-time job--conflict of interest?

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