‘Don’t worry too much about starting salaries,’ Warren Buffett advises young workers

The last day of 2025 was also Buffet’s final day as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway as he ended a 60-year career at the investment firm which has a market cap of over a trillion U.S. dollar.

At the company’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, Buffett directed advice at those just starting out in their careers.

“Don’t worry too much about starting salaries and be very careful who you work for because you will take on the habits of the people around you,” he said, responding to a question about lessons learned early on, as reported by CNBC.

“There are certain jobs you shouldn’t take,” he added.

While young workers may be inclined to choose the highest-paying offer available, Buffett stressed that salary should not be the sole consideration, noting that other elements can matter more over the long run.

Although a strong starting pay can support financial stability, Buffett said colleagues and supervisors often have a far greater influence on long-term career outcomes.

“Who you associate with is enormously important,” he said. “Don’t expect that you’ll make every decision right on that, but you are going to have your life progress in the general direction of the people that you work with, that you admire, that become your friends.”

Buffett recalled learning from mentors who shared their experience with him as he was mastering the fundamentals of business. He urged young people to seek out individuals whose careers they respect and to work alongside them.

“I’ve had five bosses in life and I liked every one of them – they were all interesting. I still decided that I’d rather work for myself than anybody else,” Buffett said. “But if you find people that are wonderful to work with, that’s the place to go.”

Beyond choosing the right people, Buffett said it is equally important to pursue work that would remain appealing even without financial necessity.

“It’s interesting to me that in the investment business, so many people get out of it after they’ve made a pile of money,” he said.

“You really want something that you’ll stick around for whether you need the money or not.”

Financial investors also highlight other principles demonstrated by Buffet, who has racked up a net worth around $150 billion.

“From Warren Buffett, I’ve learned that excellence really is a discipline,” said Larry Restieri, CEO at wealth management firm Hightower, as reported by CNN.

“Set a clear direction, stay true to your principles and execute patiently.”

A healthy relationship with possessions also play a key role in wealth management, according to Buffet.

He wrote in a letter: “Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner.”