Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has no plans to slow down anytime soon. In a recent interview with CNBC's Make It, the 68-year-old billionaire expressed his desire to continue working for at least another two decades, drawing inspiration from his friend and fellow billionaire Warren Buffett.
Gates' Vision for the Future
Despite his vast wealth and accomplishments, Gates finds the idea of retirement unappealing. He admires 94-year-old Buffett's dedication, noting, 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 work is deeply rooted in his philanthropic efforts through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With the foundation approaching its 25th anniversary, Gates remains focused on tackling global challenges:
- Eradicating polio
- Eliminating malaria
- Reducing childhood deaths from 5 million to 2.5 million
The tech mogul aims to work at least 10 years, if my health allows, but hopes for 20 or 30 more years of active involvement.
A Shift in Work-Life Balance
While Gates maintains his passion for work, he acknowledges a change in his approach compared to his early days at Microsoft. He reflects on his past habits:
- Monitoring employee work hours
- Competing to sleep as little as possible
- Working through weekends and vacations
Now, Gates adopts a more balanced lifestyle, stating, I don't work as hard [now]. In my twenties, I didn't believe in weekends and vacations. So, that was kind of out of control, how I pushed myself.
Ongoing Involvement with Microsoft
Despite stepping down from official roles, Gates continues to influence Microsoft's direction:
- Serves as a technology advisor to the company
- Advises CEO Satya Nadella on AI strategy
- Reportedly brokered Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI
As Bill Gates looks to the future, he remains committed to leveraging his experience, wealth, and influence to tackle global challenges while maintaining a connection to the tech industry he helped shape.