On Stepping Down

Amazon CEO Steps Down

In the recent news of Bezos stepping down to take the role of executive chairman, a lot of folks are asking "why?"

In an email earlier this week Bezos says:

“Being the CEO of Amazon is a deep responsibility, and it’s consuming. When you have a responsibility like that, it’s hard to put attention on anything else.As Exec Chair I will stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives but also have the time and energy I need to focus on the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue Origin, The Washington Post, and my other passions.”

But beyond the "why?" lies a deeper question. Bezos is 57 years old and is extremely wealthy, so what about "retirement?"

My thought is, that inside most founders there is a drive, an internal source of energy fueled by continuing to build. Bezo's passions are beyond what he has built with Amazon and he has the ability to pursue his other interests physically and financially.

"I need to focus on the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue Origin, The Washington Post, and my other passions."
Jeff Bezos

This drive is unexplainable to those who are not makers, builders, and indie hackers. Most folks want to retire and kick back as they near the big 60, for me I feel that's going to look a lot different. We can't stop and won't stop, we build and continue that cycle until we leave this world.