Key facts
- Otis D’Souza, aged 64, has taken on an internship at a startup.
- His decision was driven by a desire for purpose and continued learning, not financial necessity.
- D’Souza has a career spanning decades, including building businesses.
- He reportedly approached the internship without ego, focusing on learning from younger colleagues.
Otis D’Souza, a 64-year-old with extensive experience in building companies, has chosen to start a new chapter as an intern at a startup. Unlike the character played by Robert De Niro in the film 'The Intern,' D’Souza's decision is not driven by financial need, as he has sufficient resources. Instead, he is motivated by a desire for purpose and a continued pursuit of learning.
D’Souza explained his choice by stating, "I don’t need money. I have enough. I just don’t have anything to do." This reflects a common challenge faced by individuals who have achieved professional success but seek continued engagement and curiosity about what comes next.
Throughout his career, D’Souza has experienced multiple reinventions, built businesses, and navigated the highs and lows of working life. Despite having earned the right to retire, he opted for an unexpected path by joining a startup as an intern, placing himself in an environment where he is not automatically the most experienced person.
What makes his story particularly noteworthy is the attitude he brings to the role. In an office populated by colleagues decades younger, D’Souza reportedly embraces the internship without ego, focusing on listening, learning, and accepting the position of a newcomer. This approach is often challenging for individuals accustomed to leadership positions.
D’Souza’s career move offers a lesson that learning has no expiration date. Similar to the character Ben Whittaker in 'The Intern,' he demonstrates that retirement can be a time for choosing different ways to stay involved and engaged with the world, suggesting that sometimes the most interesting chapters begin when one might expect the story to be over.