I recently received a job offer for a PHP Developer role. While reviewing the terms, I noticed a non-compete clause that restricts me from working with companies that directly compete with their business for 5 years after leaving.

It does mention that I can join companies that are not direct competitors, but the duration feels quite long to me.

I wanted to understand both the legal and practical side of this:

* Is a 5-year non-compete clause enforceable in India?
* How are such clauses generally interpreted in real scenarios?
* Has anyone here signed something similar—did it ever cause issues when switching jobs?

Would really appreciate any advice, insights, or personal experiences.

Thanks in advance!