Bill Gates Says Working Less Than Full Time 'Sounds Awful' And 'Warren Buffett Still Comes Into The Office Six Days A Week'

Bill Gates doesn't love the idea of slowing down and working part-time. At age 68, he stays very active in his work. He shares that Warren Buffett is a big inspiration for him. At 94, Buffett continues to work full-time as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. 

“My friend Warren Buffett still comes into the office six days a week," Gates told CNBC Make It, adding, "I hope my health allows me to be like Warren."

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Even as Gates spends much of his time on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, his approach to work reflects a commitment to continuing at a high pace for at least another two to three decades. Gates says he wants to work for 20 or 30 more years, as long as his health permits. While the intensity of his work has changed since the early Microsoft days, his dedication to making an impact remains as strong as ever.

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In his work, Gates currently focuses on global issues like eradicating diseases and poverty. He continues to serve as a technology advisor for Microsoft but spends most of his time working with his foundation to tackle pressing issues like malaria, polio, and childhood mortality.

"The [Bill & Melinda Gates] Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year," he said. "We haven't gotten rid of polio, we haven't gotten rid of malaria. I'm very, very committed to those things."

His dedication mirrors that of Buffett, who famously remarked in a 2017 interview with Gates, "I can buy anything I want, but I can't buy time." Despite their wealth, both billionaires see work as a central part of their lives – not just something to grow their wealth but a part of their lifestyle and dedication to the ideals they strongly support. 

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Gates isn't all about work, though. While in his early days he didn't believe in taking weekends off or going on vacations, he's learned to slow down and find more balance between work and life. 

“In my 20s, I didn't believe in weekends and vacations. So, that was kind of out of control, how I pushed myself,” Gates admitted. In 2016, he told BBC that he expected the same work dedication from his employees and would memorize their license plates to see when people were coming and going. 

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Buffett encouraged Gates to relax and impressed him with the fact that success doesn't come from an overloaded schedule. Gates has since adopted a healthier balance and advises people to take breaks when necessary. 

These days, Gates enjoys hobbies such as tennis and reading. He also takes real vacations and sets aside time to explore his intellectual interests. For Gates, this constant learning is essential to his work and personal fulfillment.

For Gates and Buffett, continuing to work into their later years is both a necessity and a joy. Both believe in the fulfillment that comes with remaining engaged in meaningful work. As you approach retirement, finding a balance that works for you is essential. Consulting with a financial advisor can help determine the right time to scale back, ensuring you maintain financial and personal fulfillment in your later years.

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