100-Year-Old Sets World Record, Spending 84 Years Working For Same Company

Ashley Hunte
A person in a yellow sweater typing on a laptop.
Unsplash | Christin Hume

For most of us, the idea of working at the same place for fifteen, ten, or even five years can seem a little far-fetched. In fact, most workers will find themselves bouncing around to a few different companies throughout their careers.

There are some, though, who will achieve amazing workplace milestones by staying with the same employer for the entirety of their careers.

It's still s0mewhat normal to see a few people stay with the same job for a long time.

Four people standing by a table with a cake and cupcakes on it while cheering.
Unsplash | Jason Goodman

In fact, you've probably been part of a coworker or manager's celebration for 25, or maybe 40 years on the job.

But what about 80 years?

The camera zooming in on Jim from the Office as he says "What?" while visibly in shock.
Giphy | The Office

I'm betting there are very few people in the world who can brag about working for the same company for 80 years or more. In fact, it seems as though there's just one person who can claim bragging rights there.

Meet Guinness World Record holder Walter Orthmann.

At 100 years old and still working, he holds the record for the longest career in the same company, at 84 years and 9 days as verified this past January 6, 2022.

He started working for a textile company in 1938.

Walter Orthmann holding a framed certificate from Guinness World Records as well as a small, brown notebook while sitting at an office desk.
Guinness World Records | Guinness World Records

The Brazilian man of German descent began as a shipping assistant at ReneauxView (known back then as Industrias Renaux S.A.), Business Insider reports. He continued to move up in the company until he became a sales manager.

Astonishingly, he was only 15 when he started working for the company.

A photograph taken in the late 1930s of Walter Orthmann, aged 15 at the time.
Guinness World Records | Guinness World Records

Orthmann, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday this past April, began his career as a teenager in order to help his large family during a financially difficult time.

"Back in 1938, kids were expected to work to help support the family."

Walter Orthmann sitting at a wooden desk as 5 people stand behind him; a scan from a vintage photograph.
Guinness World Records | Guinness World Records

"As the oldest son of five, my mother took me to find a job at the age of 14."

I'm sure when he took the job, no one was expecting him to stay on for so long.

And believe it or not, this isn't his first time setting the record.

A woman saying, "really impressed."
Giphy | Paramount+

In fact, he actually broke his own record (80 years) set back in 2018. According to the Guinness World Records website, he also had the record in 2019 with 81 years and 85 days.

Who knows? Maybe he'll break the record again next year.

A woman shrugging while saying "probably."
Giphy | YoungerTV

Business Insider reports that Orthmann never set out to set a world record, but considers it his "proudest achievement."

And honestly, how could you not be proud of that?

He doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon, either.

The Energizer bunny marching along the image while banging on its drum.
Giphy | Energizer Bunny

According to Guinness, "He is in good health, with excellent mental clarity and memory. He enjoys a calm life and exercises every day.

"As a result, he has been able to maintain enough vitality and energy to drive to his favorite place every day: the office."

His advice to the rest of us is to "find a good employer and follow your passions."

Kelly Clarkson animatedly saying "you can do anything just dream big!"
Giphy | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

"I don’t do much planning, nor care much about tomorrow. All I care about is that tomorrow will be another day in which I will wake up, get up, exercise and go to work; you need to get busy with the present, not the past or the future. Here and now is what counts. So, let’s go to work!"