Warren Buffett’s Timeless Advice: Choose Meaningful Work and Surround Yourself with the Right People

At the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting, Warren Buffett shared one of his most important pieces of advice for young people aspiring to build wealth. But it wasn’t about investing or financial strategies. Instead, Buffett focused on the power of relationships and doing work that brings genuine joy. According to Buffett, success is shaped by who you choose to spend time with and what you choose to do together, far more than by any monetary gain.
Buffett emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with intelligent, motivated, and ethical individuals. The people around you shape your outlook, decisions, and the course of your life. By being around those who aren’t solely driven by money, you are constantly learning and growing. Buffett believes that the company you keep is one of the most significant factors in achieving both business success and a fulfilling life.
Choosing work that excites you, rather than chasing a paycheck, was another key piece of advice Buffett offered. He stressed that finding a job you’d continue doing even without financial need is essential. Passion fuels excellence and satisfaction in any profession. Moreover, working with people who share that passion creates a thriving environment where everyone can thrive and continue growing both personally and professionally.
Buffett shared how his own success at Berkshire Hathaway is largely due to the people he has worked with. He highlighted the contributions of individuals like Walter Scott Jr. and David “Sandy” Gottesman, whom he would choose to lead the company regardless of its size. Buffett’s point was clear: it’s not just about business acumen, but also about trust, integrity, and the positive influence of the people around you.
Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway’s stock has seen an extraordinary 5.5 million percent rise since he took over in 1965. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 grew by about 39,000 percent over the same period. Despite these impressive figures, Buffett insists his greatest achievements have come not just from financial savvy, but from his focus on the people he worked with and the meaningful work he pursued.
Buffett also suggested that engaging in fulfilling work can have benefits beyond success—it may even contribute to a longer life. He pointed to the long lives of his colleagues, such as Walter Scott, who lived to 90, and Charlie Munger, who lived to 99. Buffett believes that doing what you love reduces stress and enhances well-being, leading to a happier and potentially longer life.
A Harvard study tracking over 80 years of data supports Buffett’s views, revealing that strong, positive relationships are the most consistent predictor of happiness, health, and longevity. Researchers found that these connections are far more important than wealth or career success. Buffett’s advice reinforces this notion, reminding us that the true wealth in life comes from meaningful relationships and doing work that brings joy and purpose.