Apple CEO Tim Cook Plans to Redefine Retirement, Citing Lifelong Work Ethic

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple CEO Tim Cook, 64, has no plans to retire in the traditional sense, despite being just three years away from the standard retirement age. In a recent podcast interview, Cook revealed his lifelong work ethic, shaped by his modest upbringing, will keep him engaged in meaningful work for years to come.

Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, told the podcast that retirement as most people envision it — stepping away from work entirely — doesn’t align with his values. “I don’t see being at home doing nothing and not [being] intellectually stimulated and thinking about how tomorrow can be better than today,” he said. “I think I’ll always be wired in that kind of way and want to work.”

The CEO’s work ethic was forged early in life. Growing up in Robertsdale, Alabama, Cook began working at age 11 to help save for college. His parents, who worked in a local pharmacy, instilled in him the belief that hard work was essential, regardless of age. By 14, he was flipping burgers at Tastee-Freez, earning $1.10 an hour while enduring playful teasing from friends about his uniform.

Cook’s early jobs not only helped him become the first in his family to attend college but also reinforced a strong work ethic that has defined his career. “They instilled [an appreciation of] hard work, and that has stayed with me for a lifetime,” he said. “The value of it [and] the idea that work can be a part of your purpose.”

Despite his $2.2 billion net worth and $74.6 million in total compensation last year, Cook has no intention of stepping away from work entirely. He acknowledged that while he may not remain CEO forever, he plans to stay engaged in fulfilling work. “You want to be pushed a bit. You want to be uncomfortable a bit,” he said. “Maybe not as much as [I am] today. But, I think I’ll always want to be pushed.”

Research supports the benefits of staying active in later years. Studies show that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities can help sustain mental health and memory while delaying cognitive decline. Cook’s commitment to work aligns with this philosophy, as he continues to lead one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Cook’s journey from a small-town Alabama boy to the helm of Apple is a testament to his relentless drive. His story underscores the importance of early work experiences in shaping a lifelong commitment to purpose and productivity. As he looks to the future, Cook remains focused on innovation and impact, proving that retirement, for him, will be anything but traditional.