Why Continue Working After a Nice Exit

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Recently I was asked why I continue to work and start companies when I don’t need the money. Many people I know don’t work because they enjoy it, rather they work because they need the money. For me, the simple answer is that I enjoy doing it, so I’m always going to do it. Thinking about it more, there are several reasons I continue to work and start companies:

Kids – I want my kids to grow up seeing their dad work hard while still having an abundance of time together
Innovation – I really enjoy being a part of the new product invention process and seeing an idea unfold in the marketplace
Jobs – I believe that helping create high quality, culture-first jobs adds tremendous value to our community
Personal Growth – I’m always learning new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences, all of which contribute to my personal growth
Entrepreneurial Forces – I believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful forces for helping grow our economy and improve our standard of living

Even after my second, third, or even fourth exit I’m going to keep working and starting companies as I enjoy it and want to give back and help others.

What else? If you didn’t have to work any more, what would you do?

Comments

6 responses to “Why Continue Working After a Nice Exit”

August 8, 2014

Nima Hakimi

Love this post David!

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August 9, 2014

Simon

Given the fact that early retirement is a major cause of death in men I thoroughly intend to never retire.

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August 9, 2014

Joe Koufman

I have spent a considerable amount of time with Stan Rapp, who is now in his mid-eighties and continues to start and grow companies. I once asked him why he did not retire. His answer: “eh, I played golf in my 60s”.

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August 9, 2014

lewar1

Your reasons are worthy I applaud you

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August 9, 2014

daleflipsfilm

David Thanks for the good reflection

We older entrepreneurs chuckle at the discussion of young entrepreneurs who exit for a few million each but “that’s not enough to live the rest of their lives upon” From a financial perspective that is true

For we older entreoreneurs, yes we can live on a few million. We are old. The rest of our lives is likely shorter plus we probably can’t or don’t need to do many things young entrepreneurs want to do!

In fact I have all the money I need for the rest of my life if I die next Tuesday…

Like everything, it is relative!

But continued working for the reasons you pointed out are spot on for any of us!

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August 11, 2014

Dave Williams

Benjamin Franklin retired at 42. Not to dismiss capitalism as a valiant pursuit but Atlanta needs more BFs!

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