Isaacson's book on Jobs mentions a few times that several people close to Jobs saw in him a hole that he tried to fill by succeeding through his work. Jobs himself speculates that he may have become more prone to cancer by running Apple and Pixar.
I realize all of that is speculative, but, damn, there has to be a point at which almost all of us would step back and say it isn't worth it. Why bust your ass, endanger your health, and stress yourself out so you can make someone else a load of cash?
(Also notice that many people who insist on the need for ridiculous hours often get something out of it: management, VCs, etc.)
> Why bust your ass, endanger your health, and stress yourself out so you can make someone else a load of cash?
One aspect that is often overlooked is that Jobs was an adoptee. My partner is also adopted, and I can tell you that she will struggle with deep rooted fears and self-confidence issues for life. She is also a workaholic. This is not a conscious decision she makes but rather a learned method for dealing with, and perhaps ignoring, her pain.
It's easy to look at things objectively as a third-party observer. My personal opinion is that Jobs did not have a choice in the matter. Work was his coping mechanism to deal with his pain.
Larry Ellison is also adopted, and I find it interesting that he was close friends with Steve Jobs. The two are quite similar in many ways.
I realize all of that is speculative, but, damn, there has to be a point at which almost all of us would step back and say it isn't worth it. Why bust your ass, endanger your health, and stress yourself out so you can make someone else a load of cash?
(Also notice that many people who insist on the need for ridiculous hours often get something out of it: management, VCs, etc.)