210TxAGNP

I'm a new NP with my first offer/contract which was perfect until the covenant not to compete. It's extremely restrictive stating upon termination/end of contract I cannot practice as a NP in primary care within a 10-mile radius of the clinic for 2 years. I'm not in a rural setting so this radius pretty much encompasses all medical centers in my area. If I decide I want to practice within the area, I can pay the employer a small fee of $50,000! Has anyone experienced this and had successful counteroffers? I've declined the initial offer due to this but left it open ended for discussion. Is there ever an acceptable non compete that doesn't inflict harm to the employer's business or the employee's ability to earn a living?