In a stunning revelation, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man with a staggering net worth of $214.8 billion, has opened up about the bizarre jobs he held before skyrocketing to billionaire status. From selling homemade Easter eggs in South Africa to cleaning out boiler rooms in Canada, Musk’s early ventures reveal an unconventional path to success.

In April 2021, a Twitter user unearthed an old photo of Musk and recounted his failed attempt to land a job at Netscape, a fledgling internet company in 1995. Musk, who was captivated by the internet’s potential, humorously recounted how he awkwardly lingered in the Netscape lobby, too shy to approach anyone. When Netscape rejected him, Musk took matters into his own hands, launching Zip2, an online city guide that eventually caught the attention of major investors, including The New York Times.

But Musk’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident long before his tech ventures. As a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, he and his brother Kimball sold chocolate Easter eggs for a whopping markup, declaring, “You are supporting a young capitalist.” At just 12, he developed a space-themed video game, earning $500—a fortune for a pre-teen. His teenage years saw him dabbling in various odd jobs, including an ill-fated attempt to open a video arcade and grueling work in a lumber mill, where he endured hazardous conditions for a mere $18 an hour.

Despite these setbacks, Musk’s determination propelled him forward. After selling Zip2 for $300 million in 1999, he founded X.com, which evolved into PayPal, later sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. Today, Musk leads SpaceX, a company valued at $100 billion, pushing the boundaries of space travel.

Musk’s extraordinary journey from selling candy to launching rockets serves as a testament to his relentless drive and innovation. As he continues to shape the future, one thing is clear: the path to success is often paved with unexpected detours.