Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates one of the world’s wealthiest individuals revealed in an interview that he worked up to 80 hours a week for his company. This intense schedule wasn’t just for a few weeks or months it lasted for several years because of one reason. Why Bill Gates Worked For 80 Hours Per Week? Bill Gates founded Microsoft in 1975. In an interview with CNBC Gates shared that in the late 1990s he regularly worked 80 hours a week coding software. Despite Microsoft being the world’s most valuable company at the time with a market cap exceeding $250 billion Gates felt the constant pressure to avoid mistakes. He explained that a single mistake could impact Microsoft’s position as a leader in the personal computer revolution. This fear drove him to work for countless hours to perfect the company’s software. Not until the late 90s did I feel like ‘Wow we can even make a few mistakes and still be okay’ he told CNBC. I thought I was one mistake away from death until then. That was just my mentality. Gates admitted that even over a decade after becoming a billionaire he didn’t feel truly successful.  Microsoft Era In 1990s During the late ’90s Microsoft was not just the richest company in the world but also a key player in shaping the future of technology. At its peak Gates himself was the richest person globally with a net worth of $58 billion according to Forbes. However he feared that any lapse in his efforts could cost the company as a leader. Focus on Philanthropy Today Microsoft is worth over $3 trillion according to Bloomberg making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Bill Gates now the seventh richest person with a net worth of $165 billion has stepped away from the daily operations of the company. His primary focus is now on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which he co-founded. The foundation works globally on initiatives related to health education and climate change reflecting Gates commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Today Gates continues to contribute to society through his philanthropic endeavors leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the tech world.