For most people who work at sea, stock ownership is rarely part of the job. For 27-year-old Marilyn Musselman, this could change her life. The former engineering officer spent two years aboard a SpaceX recovery ship off the coast of Florida.
During that period, it quietly built up a stake in Elon Musk’s space company. Besides the stock she received through her compensation package, she invested 10% of each paycheck in additional SpaceX shares. Now, as SpaceX prepares for its highly anticipated IPO, these investments will likely make it an overnight millionaire.
The investing habit that could turn a SpaceX boat worker into a millionaire
Musselman joined SpaceX in 2022 and worked aboard one of the company’s recovery ships. These specialized ships help recover missile equipment and support launches at sea.Unlike engineers at corporate headquarters, recovery ship crews operate out of the spotlight. Their role remains crucial. SpaceX’s reusable rocket program depends on successful recoveries. This system has helped the company dominate the commercial launch market.Her position also came with an unusual benefit. SpaceX offered stock along with salary, giving employees a chance to participate in the company’s growth.
Many workers sell company stock when they have the opportunity. Musselman chose a different path. I invested 10% of every paycheck in additional SpaceX shares.There was no complicated strategy. I simply continued to buy and hold stocks.Perhaps this patience is starting to pay off now. SpaceX’s valuation has risen sharply in recent years. Growth in launch services, government contracts, and the Starlink satellite network has propelled the company to new heights.
SpaceX’s biggest moment yet
SpaceX is expected to begin trading publicly on June 12. It is one of the most anticipated stock market debuts in history.The company is reportedly seeking a valuation close to $1.8 trillion. This would place it among the most valuable companies in the world.For employees who have owned shares for years, the numbers are staggering. Stock acquired when the company was worth much less can now be worth many times its original value.
Thousands of workers may benefit
The Musselman story is just one example.Reports indicate that thousands of current and former SpaceX employees own shares in the company. These include engineers, technicians, welders, ship crews and support staff.Many joined long before the company’s valuation rose. As SpaceX grew from an ambitious private venture into a global aerospace giant, employee holdings grew with it.The result could be a significant increase in employee wealth across the company.
A future beyond SpaceX
Despite the potential windfall, Musselman seems focused on a practical goal. She hopes to use the money to start her own repair business in Chesapeake, Virginia.The ambition reflects the same mentality behind its investment strategy. She saved constantly and remained patient.Whether she will become a millionaire depends on the value of her holdings and the performance of her stocks in the future. However, her story shows how employee ownership and disciplined investment can create extraordinary opportunities.The most fascinating part of Musselman’s journey is her role. She was not a senior executive or a high-level aeronautical engineer. She worked on a rescue boat to help recover missile devices from the ocean.However, she may soon join the growing list of workers whose fortunes have changed thanks to SpaceX’s success.
