‘I get to paint my own painting’: Here’s why Warren Buffett will never really retire from Berkshire Hathaway — hint: he’s ‘not doing it for the money’

Of course, the legendary investor didn’t need to wait for his Social Security checks to retire. He was already a billionaire by the age of 55.

Here’s why many entrepreneurs, athletes and artists keep working after achieving financial security.

The love of the game

During his speech, Buffett said his fortune allowed him to do anything he wants, but what he really wants to do is run Berkshire Hathaway.

“I get to paint my own painting,” he said. “I go down there every day and I feel like Michelangelo there, working on the Sistine Chapel. Nobody else may think it’s a great painting but I get to paint my own painting. I do not have people second-guessing me. … It’s a form of creativity. It’s exactly how someone feels if they’re a professional golfer or a painter — they’re not doing it for the money.”

Indeed, many professional athletes, artists and entrepreneurs continue working for the love of their sport or industry. NBA legend LeBron James is 39 years old and worth $1.2 billion, according to Forbes, but told reporters he won’t retire because, “I got a lot more in the tank to give.”

Similarly, Shark Tank host Mark Cuban has launched ten companies during his career, with the latest one, Cost Plus Drugs Co., being launched in 2022. “To me it’s the sport I get to compete in and I get to be really good at,” he told Forbes. “I’ll be 110 years old still doing whatever is the equivalent 50 years from now of responding to email.”

Buffett, Cuban and James have found a way to align their passions with their investments and business ventures, which allows them to tap into limitless motivation to keep performing. Here’s how you too can tap into your passion for better outcomes.

Boost life satisfaction while making money

Whether it’s earning money or investing it, you’re more likely to stay on track if you enjoy it. A recent survey by Pew Research found that 89% of U.S. workers say they enjoy their job some or most of the time, while 84% said their job is fulfilling at least sometimes.

With this in mind, it wouldn’t be unusual to avoid or reject job opportunities that do not align with activities that you find enjoyable.

Similarly, investors should focus on industries they understand or are passionate about. A major theme of Peter Lynch’s best-selling book One Up on Wall Street was his philosophy that investors should “invest in what you know.” So if you’re passionate about luxury brands, sports or climate action, take a closer look at stocks like Tapestry (TPR), Nike (NKE) and First Solar (FSLR).

Taking the time to align your personal interest with your investment plan and career could bring you one step closer to “tap dancing to work” like Buffett does.