Tech IndustryJun 24, 2018
NewAtrous
Side Projects at Large Companies
Are side projects allowed or easily approved at large companies? I’d imagine companies like Google are involved in every industry/technology so it would be somewhat competing unless it was non-technical. Is anyone doing a side project? I’ve heard people doing startups on the side, and being coy about it (“we didn’t start coding until after quitting”). But I’ve also heard that the after-work clauses can’t be enforced in CA. Do you still need to report?
Microsoft used to allow moonlighting. Amazon contract specifically calls out that they own the IP for anything you create.
If there is any chance of a conflict of interest, or an appearance of a conflict of interest, you should get the approval of your manager. That may trigger an approval from his/her manager or legal or PR. if it is completely unrelated, for instance related to a hobby of yours, then I see no problem. Just don't do anything, even send emails or take phone calls during work hours for your side job.