Conversely, though - if you're completely unwilling to accept a clause that limits your employment after leaving the company, your starting point should be an agreement that doesn't have such a clause in it. Don't give them the impression they can talk you out of it. By giving them a new document to sign, they are the ones who have to confront you if they want to re-add the noncompete.

This is a your-mileage-may-vary thing and there is no easy answer for all cases.