They tried to stop me being an Indie Hacker
Yesterday, I had a job offer WITHDRAWN.
Why?
Because they didn’t want me to be an Indie Hacker.
After six weeks of interviews and discussions, the company pulled the plug.
I asked for a clause to be removed from the employment contract.
The clause stated:
“The employee shall not hold an investment of more than 5% in another company.”
This isn’t about protecting business secrets or preventing competition. If it was, they would limit it to companies in the same industry.
No—this clause is about control. It’s about making employees financially dependent, ensuring they remain subservient. Feudalism in the modern workplace.
They didn't want me to be an Indie Hacker.
Since I was a teenager, I’ve worked on side projects—building skills in business, design, development, and research. It is a hobby. These side projects made me who I am today, and companies like this one benefit from those skills.
Yet, by signing that contract, I would have to give up my entrepreneurial pursuits. And this wasn’t even a management role!
Would they ask someone to give up baking, running, or crocheting?
It makes no sense.
The company was a tech for good company. Specifically, the company believes that the way businesses operate is as important as what they do.
Do you see the irony?
Here is a company instructing others how to do business in an ethical way and yet they drag out recruitment processes and dictate what employees cannot own and what employees cannot do in their personal time.
The hypocrisy is staggering.
Many of you probably have a permanent full time position. You’re working your 9-5 then hacking away on your side hustles after work and at weekends. A wise move.
But you may be putting your 9-5 position in jeopardy depending on your employment contract.
People often say “just don’t tell them”. Well, that’s ok until it’s not. Maybe you let slip to a co-worker what you did at the weekend and management is looking for a way to reduce costs. Or perhaps like me, you’re just too honest for that path.
For my fellow product designers in London: stay away from this company. You deserve better.
And for everyone else—if you're ever asked to give up your autonomy like this in an employment contract, think carefully before signing.
I dodged a bullet.
For now, I’m doubling down on my latest business Insight Pipeline.
Insight Pipeline helps indie hackers talk to their users so they can learn what customers want and grow their business.
Isn’t it illegal in a lot of countries? I’d imagine in NL the company would not be able to enforce such clause even having it in the contract.
Thank you for your courage, which also helped us dodge the bullet
How can I connect with other Indie Hackers for collaboration?
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience. It’s frustrating when companies claim to value innovation and ethics but then impose such restrictive clauses. Your passion for indie hacking is part of what makes you unique and skilled! It’s ridiculous to expect someone to give up their side projects, especially when those experiences can only enhance their contributions at work.
Your story is a powerful reminder for all of us to read contracts carefully and advocate for our autonomy. It's not just about the paycheck; it’s about being in an environment that respects who you are. Here’s hoping you find a place that values your entrepreneurial spirit just as much as your professional skills!