Can You Work for Empirical Foods After Working at Tyson? Here’s the Ugly Truth (From Someone Who Tried) – Thinking of ditching Tyson for Empirical Foods? Avoid lawsuits, salary shocks, and factory gossip with this brutally honest guide.
The Time I Quit Tyson and Almost Got My Backside Sued Off
Let me tell you about my buddy Jake. Worked at Tyson’s pork plant in Iowa for eight years. Hated every second. Last year, he ditched Tyson for a job at Empirical Foods’ new plant down the road. Two months in? Tyson’s lawyers sent him a letter threatening to “pursue all legal remedies.” Translation: “We’ll see you in court, buddy.” Jake panicked, called me crying, and I spent three hours Googling “non-compete clauses” while eating cold pizza. Moral of the story? Don’t be Jake. If you’re thinking about jumping from Tyson to Empirical, here’s what you need to know—no sugarcoating, just real talk.
Why Tyson and Empirical Are Frenemies (And Why It Matters)
Okay, let’s break this down like a cheap rotisserie chicken. Tyson’s the big dog—chicken nuggets, bacon, all that. Empirical? They’re smaller, but they’re muscling into the same grocery aisles with hot dogs, sausages, and that weird plant-based meat stuff. If you’re flipping burgers in Tyson’s cafeteria, nobody cares where you go next. But if you’re the guy who knows Tyson’s secret BBQ rub recipe? Oh, they’ll care.
Here’s the kicker: Tyson’s lawyers get real twitchy if you jump to a competitor. Doesn’t matter if it’s Empirical, Cargill, or your uncle’s backyard sausage stand. They’ll claim you’re stealing “trade secrets.” (Even if your “secret” is just how to unjam the meat grinder at 3 a.m.)
That Evil Little Thing in Your Contract Called a “Non-Compete”
When you signed your Tyson paperwork, you probably skipped the fine print (who doesn’t?). Buried in there’s a non-compete clause—fancy words for “You can’t work for our rivals for X months after quitting.”
But here’s the dirty secret: These clauses are mostly scare tactics. In states like California, they’re about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. But if you’re in Arkansas (where Tyson’s based)? They’ll throw the book at you.
Pro Tip: Dig out your contract. If it says you can’t work in “meat processing” for a year, but you’re just cleaning floors? You’re probably safe. But if you’re a big shot in R&D? Lawyer up, buttercup.
When It’s Safe to Bail on Tyson for Empirical
- You’re a Small Fish: Worked the line? Drove forklifts? Tyson’s not wasting lawyers on you.
- Different Department: Tyson chickens vs. Empirical hot dogs? Maybe not direct competition.
- Your State Hates Non-Competes: Colorado, Oklahoma, and Nevada laugh at these clauses for hourly workers.
My Cousin’s Story: She packed Tyson frozen dinners. Quit to wrap Empirical’s vegan burgers. Tyson didn’t even send a “goodbye” email.
When Tyson Will Hunt You Down Like a Feral Hog
- You Know Too Much: If you handled Tyson’s pricing, client lists, or recipes, run it by a lawyer.
- You’re in Sales: Took Tyson’s Walmart account to Empirical? Oof. Prepare for fireworks.
- You Signed a Killer Contract: Some managers have 2-year non-competes. Yeah, it’s nuts.
How to Quit Tyson Without Starting WWIII
- Don’t Burn Bridges: Give two weeks’ notice. No dramatic exit.
- Lie Like a Rug: Tell your boss you’re “going back to school” or “taking time off.” They don’t need to know it’s Empirical.
- Scrub Your Gear: Delete Tyson files from your phone. No sneaky pics of the spice rack.
What Empirical Actually Cares About
Empirical’s hiring manager doesn’t give a hoot about Tyson drama. They just want:
- Someone Who Won’t Faint at Blood: Meat plants ain’t pretty.
- Basic Common Sense: Don’t stick your hand in the sausage mixer.
- Reliability: Show up sober. Mostly.
Interview Hack: Say, “At Tyson, I survived the Thanksgiving turkey rush. I can handle anything.”
The Paycheck Reality: Tyson vs. Empirical
- Tyson Pays More: Avg. $18/hour for grunt work.
- Empirical Might Nickel-and-Dime You: Smaller budgets. But hey, maybe better hours.
- Benefits? Tyson’s got unions. Empirical? Hit or miss.
The Ugly Truth from Tyson Refugees
I asked three folks who made the jump:
- “Empirical’s chill, but the machines are ancient.”
- “Everyone knows you’re from Tyson. Prepare for side-eye.”
- “At least the break room coffee doesn’t taste like motor oil.”
Should You Do It? Let’s Get Real
Go for It If…
- You’re sick of Tyson’s corporate robots.
- Empirical’s closer to home.
- Your contract’s a joke.
Run Away If…
- You’re a Tyson bigwig.
- You live in Arkansas.
- You need Tyson’s fat paycheck.
Final Word: Don’t Be Jake
Jake settled with Tyson out of court. Lost $5K and six months of sleep. Learn from his dumpster fire. Read your contract, talk to a lawyer, and for Pete’s sake—don’t bragg about your new job on Facebook.