Follow up - theoretically, if I thought my employer's stock was going to go down but wasn't privy to nonpublic info, could I put on a short position to lock in gains or ride out a dip? Or is just working for that co enough to make that illegal?
i think this is more an ethical decision. however, if i were an employee and my company offered me stock options instead of a check, i'd be looking for a new job.