I reside in Minnesota and was an independent contractor for a company based out of Rhode Island. They ended my contract because I told the owner she was a self righteous ####waffle.
I have spent 7 years in this type of job and it is how I earn the better part of my living.
The contract I signed has a non-compete that states I won’t "work directly or indirectly with a competitor".
Logic would dictate that I’m completely screwed, but many are telling me that because of the geographic distance and the unreasonableness of the non-compete (I won’t be allowed to practice my trade), that I could easily fight this in court. Any thoughts?

I’m an independent contractor and was delivering appliances for Sears in MA. I had an issue with the hours they required me to drive as it was in violation of DOT regulations. They wanted me to be on the road for over 15 hrs a day & when I objected to that they terminated my contract. The biggest problem that I’m now facing is that they are holding my last check. I’m a small business & I desperately need my cash flow but they said they are holding it for 60 days!! I don’t know what to do short of hiring an attorney which I cant afford. I had to pay my helper with money from my savings. I have tried getting my check but I keep getting the run around. One person states they are holding it in case I have any outstanding claims (suddenly one has materialized!) and the next person states that’s what they do when a contractor quits…which I didn’t..they terminated me. I have a bond with them which is supposed to be held but I don’t understand why they wont give my my check. I worked for that check I put in alot of hours and labor. Do they have a legal right to hold my check?

I work in International waters and do not visit or live in a residence in the United States for more than 4 weeks a year. I make about ,000 a year before taxes working on these ships as an Independent Contractor.