<ul><li>Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said emotionally detaching from the company was the best decision post his stepping down in 2014, despite the emotional struggle lasting nearly a year.</li><li>Initially, Ballmer tried to stay involved as an ultra-engaged investor, but realized he was too emotionally attached and couldn't control things anymore. He considered selling all his Microsoft stocks for emotional detachment.</li><li>Upon a colleague's advice, Ballmer held on to his stocks, prioritizing loyalty over emotional attachment, and has now found a balance of being loyal, detached, and focused on philanthropy.</li><li>Ballmer no longer obsesses over Microsoft stock's performance, finding peace in the thriving foundation he and his wife built for philanthropic pursuits.</li></ul>

Ex-CEO Steve Ballmer says letting go of Microsoft was the best thing he did after stepping down — even if it took a year

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