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