Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is facing backlash from employees over a new stock plan that includes a strict non-compete clause. The plan was introduced shortly after rival SpaceX's successful IPO. Under the terms, employees who leave to work for a competing company must give up all their accumulated stock options immediately. The non-compete clause lasts 18 months and affects many workers, though those on the West Coast are exempt. Engineers in southern states are particularly impacted, facing greater restrictions on their equity and fewer job opportunities in the region. The policy has sparked frustration among staff who feel it limits their career mobility and penalizes them for seeking new roles. Blue Origin has not commented on the criticism. This move comes as competition in the space industry intensifies, with companies like SpaceX and others vying for talent. The non-compete clause is a common practice in some industries but has drawn scrutiny for potentially stifling innovation and worker freedom. Many employees are now reconsidering their options within the company.