<prompt> Human: I will be starting at a company that has an employee stock purchasing plan. Essentially I will be able to buy stock for a discounted price. Do others that have this benefit usually hold on to the equity or basically sell it immediately after purchase to ensure a gain? I imagine most people will say to hold it for the long term but Im curious as to what others do. Thanks.  <response>: You imagine wrongly. The consensus is that you should always sell as soon as possible. Its too much risk to be heavily invested in the same place that pays your salary. If the company tanks you can be out a job and have a worthless portfolio in the same week. Come back once you know the plan specifics, but generally an ESPP is great investment with decent returns. If you have a small offer period and small holding window the gains will surprise you 