Non competes are legal contracts. Most times in professional settings. When i got out of college, i was doing engineering work, and had to sign one at the place i was working. I had to pay a good chunk of change to get out of it when i switched companys. The op doesnt really have anything to worry about since he isnt on payroll. If the boss started to make a stink about it, i would just mention how you are a employee not a sub and you will report him.