Conflict of interest when starting a side business while working full time?

[soulprenuer]

Hi everyone! I'm interested in starting an online C2C marketplace, but I work for a company that is also an online C2C marketplace. However, they specialize in the verification of luxury brands to prevent buyers from getting fakes, which is a big part of their success. In contrast, my business idea is for a marketplace for used clothing - so I wouldn't even be trying to attract their user base at all. I spoke with a pro bono lawyer yesterday and he said it's fine to do this idea on the side, but don't be public about it because they could fire you since it could be a conflict of interest.

I'm torn because I like my job, but I don't want to be prevented from starting my business. I'm 24 and really excited to get started on it and build it! What do you think I should do? Part of me feels like my only option is to start looking for a new non-compete job lol but does that sound reasonable??

 

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[eramart]

I think you should research this further until you are pretty sure what can and can’t happen. I wouldn’t be public about it, not because of conflict of interest, but because your employer may think that you are working on your project instead of his.

 

[soulprenuer]

I think you should research this further until you are pretty sure what can and can’t happen. I wouldn’t be public about it, not because of conflict of interest, but because your employer may think that you are working on your project instead of his.

Yea I've decided to put my business idea to the side for now and focus on other, less complicated ideas. Thanks for your input!