I loved every minute of my time at Microsoft, but I had always envisioned having another phase of life just because I thought that would be interesting. It had never been my plan to work until I literally didn't want to do anything and then hang it up.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire for change and new experiences, emphasizing that life should be about exploration and not solely about work.
In this quote, Steve Ballmer reflects on his time at Microsoft with fondness while highlighting his belief in the importance of evolving beyond one's current circumstances. He suggests that a fulfilling life involves imagining new phases and opportunities, rather than being confined to continuous work until exhaustion. This mindset encourages individuals to seek out novel experiences and phases in life, illustrating that life is more than just a career.
In practice
During a motivational speech about life choices.
The number one benefit of information technology is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive. It lets people learn things they didn't think they could learn before, and so in a sense it is all about potential.
I think the biggest mistake most people make when they pick their first job is they don't worry enough about whether they'll love the work, and they worry more about whether it's good experience
Everything is as it was, I discover when I reach my destination, and everything has changed.
Because it is such a huge crisis, because it puts us on a firm science-based deadline, it's a once-in-a-century opportunity to build a better society and address raging inequality, create huge numbers of jobs, rebuild our public infrastructure. But, we can't do it unless we break every single rule in the free-market playbook. Which is why the worst people in the world all deny climate change.
The danger is that people may mistake what is basically a change in vocabulary for a change in behavior, practices, and attitudes. While practically all Americans have learned to talk inoffensively, not enough have learned to think differently, nor act positively.
Don't be concerned that things appear to be falling apart: this has to happen in order for something new and wonderful to emerge.
Those interested in perpetuating present conditions are always in tears about the marvelous past that is about to disappear, without having so much as a smile for the young future.
Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history.
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