Why do you think that CEOs do not like retiring.?

I think there's a driven quality to most people who are CEOs. This is better known as a 'Type A' personality. Many people define themselves (and sometimes their self worth) by what they do. Sometimes as people get older, it can be difficult to let go and change pace.

Everyone thinks they know what motivates a CEO, or for that matter anyone.

There are three reasons postulated. Greed, i.e. money, Power, position, i.e., been doing it so long they can't let go.

Actually, all three are wrong. Money doesn't motivate for long. The income level becomes normal and you need more motivation.

Power can motivate for quite a period of time, but if that is all there is, they usually do a very poor job of managing the company. They subvert those rising stars within their own company so as to preserve their own power. They fail eventually.

Not letting go is a problem we all have. Are you in a job you don't enjoy, but don't want to leave because of the demands a different job may put on your life?

Actually, the reason most CEOs don't retire, is they love what they are doing. You can't do any job very well for long if you don't love it. I have never heard of a board forcing someone out that was doing a good job. Usually they get forced out for poor performance or complacency.

Most CEO's have strong personalities that are very driven. The thought of retiring to them is like cutting off a hand or foot- they are even threatened at the thought. Many who do leave their jobs from a forced retirement, will work somewhere else-sometimes for little or free, just to keep busy. Maybe that's why they can get those high paying jobs- they understand the smart-work ethic.

is pretty much about the stocks and all the benefits they get from the goverment, take an example Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) his base salary is $1!!! but he gets properties as gifts and they dont overload him with taxes payment because of his salary, he is even in the guiness record for the lowest salary of a CEO, that guy wont retire at all believe me

How about the ENORMOUS salary! They make MILLIONS every year! If I were a CEO, they would have to drag me out too!