Forty-five years after Apple’s initial public offering, the technology giant stands as one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market valuation of $4.1 trillion. Yet, the journey to this milestone was anything but smooth. The story of Apple’s rise is inseparable from the personal and professional journey of its co-founder Steve Jobs, whose career was marked by setbacks, reinvention and an unwavering belief in doing work he truly loved.
At a time when many young professionals, including Gen Z, feel uncertain about career choices amid economic shifts and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, Jobs’ philosophy offers a reminder that long-term fulfilment often comes from passion rather than short-term security.
‘Do what you love’
In his iconic 2005 Stanford University commencement speech, Jobs shared what he believed was the foundation of a meaningful career.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work,” he said. “And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
He urged students not to settle prematurely. “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it,” Jobs said — words that continue to circulate among professionals navigating career crossroads.
A career shaped by setbacks and reinvention
Jobs’ professional life was far from linear. While Apple may now appear to be an unshakeable global force, the company came dangerously close to collapse in its early years. In a dramatic turn of events, Jobs was ousted from Apple in 1985 following internal power struggles, despite being one of its founders.
Rather than retreating, Jobs entered what he later described as one of the most creative periods of his life. He founded NeXT, a software and hardware company focused on high-end computing, and played a key role in transforming Pixar Animation Studios into a powerhouse of digital animation.
These ventures not only kept Jobs creatively engaged but also laid the technological and strategic groundwork for Apple’s eventual revival.
The return that reshaped Apple
Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, when the company was struggling to stay afloat. As chief executive, he led a sweeping transformation, streamlining product lines and focusing on innovation and design. Over the next decade, Apple introduced a series of products that would redefine consumer technology — from the iMac and iPod to the iPhone, which went on to become one of the most influential consumer devices in history.
By the time of Jobs’ death in October 2011, Apple had firmly re-established itself as a global leader in technology and design.
“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith,” Jobs once said. “I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did.”
Wealth as a by-product, not the goal
Although Jobs left behind an estimated $10.2 billion fortune, he repeatedly stated that money was never his primary motivation. In a 1996 PBS interview, Jobs reflected on his early financial success but downplayed its importance.
“I was worth over $1 million when I was 23, over $10 million when I was 24, and over $100 million when I was 25,” he said. “And it wasn’t that important, because I never did it for the money.”
Instead, Jobs’ driving force was a lifelong fascination with technology, which began at an early age.
Curiosity and courage from a young age
Jobs’ willingness to ask for help and take risks was evident even in childhood. At just 12 years old, he famously looked up the phone number of Bill Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, and called him directly to request spare parts for a project. Hewlett not only helped him but also offered Jobs a summer job — an early launchpad into the tech world.
“I never found anybody who didn’t want to help me if I asked,” Jobs later recalled. “Most people never pick up the phone and call. Most people never ask.”
His advice was simple yet powerful: be willing to fail, to try, and to ask. “If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t get very far,” he said.
Relevance for today’s generation
As roles across industries evolve and traditional career paths become less predictable, Jobs’ story continues to hold relevance. While not everyone can build a company like Apple, his journey underscores the value of resilience, curiosity and passion in sustaining a long career.
With many young professionals facing uncertainty and short-term compromises, Jobs’ life offers a broader perspective: careers are marathons, not sprints — and finding meaning in one’s work can make all the difference.