Bill Gates: Working Less Than Full-Time "Sounds Awful," Plans to Keep Busy for Decades
Bill Gates, the 68-year-old co-founder of Microsoft, has no plans to slow down anytime soon. In an interview with CNBC Make It, Gates revealed that he finds the idea of working less than full-time "awful" and hopes to follow in the footsteps of his long-time friend Warren Buffett, who remains active in his role as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the age of 94. Gates states, "My friend Warren Buffett still comes into the office six days a week, so I hope my health allows me to be like Warren." Gates’ commitment to his work goes beyond his passion for technology; he’s driven to allocate his massive net worth— estimated by Forbes to be $128 billion— to tackling global challenges like disease, poverty, climate change, and access to healthcare and education.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Gates, at 68, has no plans for a traditional retirement. He aspires to maintain his work ethic, stating that working less than full-time "sounds awful."
- Gates’ work is driven by a desire to address global issues. He dedicates his resources to various philanthropic endeavors, including fighting disease, poverty, and climate change.
- He is inspired by Warren Buffett’s commitment to work. Buffett, at 94, continues to lead Berkshire Hathaway six days a week, providing a model for Gates’ own work ethic.
- Gates’ dedication to philanthropy extends beyond his personal wealth. He is deeply involved in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s goal of significantly reducing childhood mortality rates.
The Lesson About Work That Took Gates Years to Learn
While Gates might remain committed to a busy work schedule, his approach has evolved significantly from his early days at Microsoft. He admits, "I don’t work as hard as I used to. In his 20s, Gates famously eschewed weekends and vacations, expecting similar dedication from his employees. He even memorized employee license plate numbers to monitor their work hours.
It took a conversation with Warren Buffett to convince Gates to re-evaluate his approach to work and free time. Buffett emphasized the importance of controlling one’s time, assuring Gates that being a successful businessman doesn’t require relentlessly filling every minute of the day. Gates recalls their discussion with Charlie Rose in 2017, stating, “I can buy anything I want, basically, but I can’t buy time," a sentiment echoed by Buffett.
This realization led Gates to significantly adjust his approach to work-life balance. He now actively enjoys his free time, engaging in hobbies like tennis and prioritizing reading. He also understands the importance of taking breaks and managing stress levels, acknowledging that he regrets not learning this sooner. Despite his dedication to various projects, Gates recognizes that staying intellectually engaged requires ongoing learning, which he describes as "incredibly fulfilling."
Balancing Philanthropy and Personal Growth
Gates’ current workload is a testament to his passion for technology and his unwavering commitment to tackling global challenges through philanthropy. He is deeply involved in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. His dedication to this work is evident in his goal of reducing childhood death rates by half, aiming to lower the number of deaths from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Gates’ approach to work is a reflection of his personal values and aspirations. He prioritizes making a meaningful impact on the world while also prioritizing personal growth and intellectual stimulation. He has learned that a balanced approach to work and free time, inspired by the example of Warren Buffett, leads to greater fulfillment and productivity.
A Work Ethic for the Long Haul
Gates’ journey provides valuable lessons for individuals navigating their own career paths. His story highlights the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and finding a balance between dedicated work and personal fulfillment. Rather than clinging to outdated notions of work-life balance, Gates’ approach emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and recognizing that success can be achieved without sacrificing personal time and growth.
While Gates’ story may not resonate with everyone’s career aspirations, his commitment to utilizing his resources and experience to make a positive impact on the world sets a powerful example for others seeking to live a life of purpose and meaning.
