The true story of a Colombian who worked with Elon Musk and traded space for inner peace.
The image of working for one of the most revolutionary companies on the planet sounds like a dream for many. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, not only promises to conquer Mars, but also represents the pinnacle of technological innovation and human endeavor. But what happens when that same dream becomes a silent nightmare? This is the story of Sebastián Torres, a native of Cali who rose to the top of the aerospace world and decided to make a radical change to save his life.
From rocket launches to the coffee jungle of Pereira, his career not only reveals the bright side of Silicon Valley, but also its shadows: anxiety, burnout, and the constant pressure to perform at the limit. Today, Sebastián lives far from the noise of the tech industry, focusing on well-being, community, and personal transformation.
Who is Sebastián Torres and how did he come to work with Elon Musk?
Sebastián Torres was born in Cali, Colombia, and from a young age dreamed of success through tennis. Thanks to a sports scholarship, he moved to the United States, where he studied industrial engineering at Cal Poly, one of the most renowned public universities in the country. His professional life began in the pharmaceutical industry, working for multinationals such as Johnson & Johnson and Baxter.
But his real breakthrough came when he was contacted by SpaceX. Initially, he wasn’t interested; however, his technical experience, Six Sigma certifications, and handling of regulated environments made him an ideal fit for a company just beginning to invest in large-scale space missions.
What did Sebastian do at SpaceX and what was his role with Musk?
When Torres joined SpaceX in 2014, the company had just 900 employees. Years later, when he retired, the number had grown to more than 10,000. During that time, he participated in historic milestones such as the landing of the first reusable rocket, the launch of the Tesla into space, and the development of the Raptor engine, one of the most powerful ever built.
In his role, Sebastián functioned as an “orchestra conductor,” optimizing manufacturing processes, connecting technical teams, and ensuring production moved forward at a breakneck pace. He led the Raptor project, an engine designed to reuse energy and use methane as fuel, making it ideal for future missions to Mars.
Musk, obsessed with efficiency, was a constant presence: “If you went on a Sunday, you’d see him; if you arrived at 5 a.m., he was sometimes already there.” Sebastián describes him as extremely intelligent, direct, obsessive, and possessing a sense of humor that few understood.
Why did Sebastián Torres resign from SpaceX?
Sebastián’s professional success came with enormous pressure. Endless hours, job threats, and an organizational culture based on fear ultimately took its toll on his mental health. “Elon used fear a lot as a leadership tool. He’d tell you, ‘If you don’t do this right, I’ll fire you,'” he confesses.
Workdays were extended even at Christmas. Despite technological advances, emotional health took a backseat. Sebastián suffered from panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. The pills prescribed by his psychiatrist worsened his condition. “Everything I did, I imagined as a way to commit suicide,” he recalls.
Finally, after seven years of demanding work, he decided to resign. His contract prevented him from saying goodbye to his colleagues, and due to confidentiality clauses, he avoids discussing certain internal aspects of the company.
5 lessons from Sebastián Torres’ story
- Professional success doesn’t guarantee personal well-being.
Working with Elon Musk may seem like a dream, but even the highest positions can become emotional prisons if mental health is neglected. - Mental health requires immediate and personalized attention.
Torres moved from medication to more holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and contact with nature. Today, she prioritizes harmony over extreme productivity. - You don’t need a specific degree to achieve great goals
Despite not studying astrophysics or aerospace engineering, Sebastián came to lead key projects at SpaceX thanks to his focus, organizational skills and strategic vision. - Reinventing yourself is possible at any stage of life.
After hitting rock bottom, she found new motivation in helping others through human transformation, environmental care, health, and community. - Returning to one’s roots may be the true journey to the future.
From the coffee-growing region of Colombia, Sebastián found the peace he lacked in the United States. He lives near a river, meditates every morning, and works on local impact projects.
How to follow a path of success without sacrificing personal well-being?
While not all of us will work with Elon Musk, many people feel trapped in toxic or overly demanding work environments. Here are some key steps to maintain balance:
- Recognize the warning signs.
Insomnia, constant anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are not normal. They are symptoms that something needs to change. - Seek professional support early.
A psychologist or therapist can help you identify causes and solutions before reaching a crisis. - Define your true priorities.
What’s more important: your job title or your health? Your salary or your peace of mind? Clarifying your values makes difficult decisions easier. - Take strategic breaks
Even in high-demand environments, scheduling breaks and disconnections is essential to prevent burnout. - Don’t be afraid to start over.
Changing industries, countries, or goals isn’t synonymous with failure. It’s an investment in your happiness.
Recommendations if you are experiencing a similar situation
- Don’t ignore mental and emotional symptoms. Get help before it’s too late.
- Redefine success to suit you. Maybe you don’t need a rocket to get where you really want to be.
- Explore new horizons. Sometimes the best version of yourself isn’t in Silicon Valley, but on a mountain, a farm, or a community waiting for your talent.
Sebastián Torres’s example is a powerful reminder that not all that glitters in the technological world is gold. Sometimes, the most valuable thing lies in rediscovering our humanity, returning to our roots, and building a life where success isn’t measured in dollars or space launches, but in well-being, purpose, and connection.
And you? Are you ready to take off toward a more authentic life? Start prioritizing your mental health and happiness today.
