Reading an employment contract can be overwhelming, but it is important to understand what you are agreeing to before you sign. Here are some simple steps to help you read an employment contract if you are not a lawyer:
1. Read the entire contract carefully
My dad used to say: “The effectiveness of an agreement is directly related to if you can understand it.” This is why the legal profession has moved to creating contracts that are easier to understand, so don’t be afraid. Just read it a few times and take your time.
The best contracts are readable and understandable.
Start by reading the entire contract from start to finish. This will give you an overall idea of what you are agreeing to. Try not to get overwhelmed by legalese.
2. Look for the key terms
Look for key terms like “salary,” “benefits,” “job title,” “job description,” “hours of work” and start and end dates. Ask ChatGPT and Google anything you don’t understand. For ChatGPT, I personally prompt like this: “Explain in simple terms _________.” The ChatGPT link above takes you to the sign up page.
Take your time in reading and research. Don’t sign immediately when you get the contract!
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In the HorseGrooms Community, Emmy Sobieski continues by helping you identify obligations, read the fine print and how to ask questions. Sign up for free to take full advantage!
This is NOT a financial, legal, tax or investment advice.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not advice. Why isn’t it advice? First, I don’t have the licenses necessary to advise you. Second, I don’t know your specific situation, which I would need to know in order to advise you (if I had the licenses, which I do not).
Whenever someone gives you advice, ask yourself these two questions above: Do they have the credentials, and do they know your specifics? If either answer is no, treat their advice like a starting point of learning and not as advice.
Let these blogs serve as a starting point in your education, not an end answer. Only you can find your answers to your specific situation.
I love this horse community, especially the parts that come together to celebrate the majesty and generosity of the spirit of horses. I want to provide a starting point for you to learn and empower yourself with financial knowledge, and map your perfect journey through life.
My career: 32+ years as an institutional investor, specializing in technology stocks, corporate, and startup operations. I am an advisor and investor in public companies and private companies; authored the #1 Amazon Bestselling book $100M Careers: the 5 Fastest Paths to Wealth Beyond Your Wildest Dreams; am a financial coach through my $100M Career Amplifier program; have managed multi-million and worked on multi-billion funds; and have been a keynote and guest speaker for many events and podcasts, covering everything from careers, leverage, operations, and technology.
You can learn more on my LinkedIn page or my website.
