[p4wnc6]

Most people probably agree with you, but it doesn't mean founders or start-up execs will see it that way. And there's no way to know why they might cause a problem over it. It could be that they've seen a lot of people selling and view it as a bad signal and they just take it out on you ... or it could be that they are just psycho and see their company like a cult and suddenly you're "not a team player" if you want to sell shares.

People are far from rational about this stuff.

[bogomipz]

I get what you are saying but remember founders and execs need quality people to build and maintain a successful company. Its unlikely that you will be fired for this. I think if you went and told everyone within earshot that you did this it might problematic but if you kept it to yourself and did it discretely I think its unlikely to cause problems. Also like I mentioned ask these companies(and theres on a couple) if they sold options for your company before.

As far as psychos and/or the cult mentality, my view is that I wouldn't want to work there anyway but thats me.

[Silhouette]

If you have management that think like that, you might well be better off taking the money and looking elsewhere anyway.