Downloading portfolio = gross misconduct!

[Eekmocks]

I work in a creative job and I will be resigning from my current role next week. To get another job in the same field I will likely need to show a portfolio of my work.

I’ve just checked my contract and it’s very clear that I am not allowed to make copies of anything for use after I have left the company. This would be classed as gross misconduct.

These are projects that I’ve worked on and they show my work. Anything I can do?

Is there a difference between copying something for use, and copying for a portfolio?

Say it was a graphic design job, I think there is a difference between downloading a template of a leaflet to use at a new company, and screenshotting a thumbnail of the leaflet to show people at interview what you worked on.

Also if stuff is in the public domain you can link to it and say “I did this”

Stuff you do on company time belongs to the company unfortunately.

That said, does gross misconduct matter if you’re leaving anyway? Weigh up the pros and cons!