Walter Orthmann, a 100-year-old Brazilian man, broke the Guinness world record for being the oldest employee to work for a single company. Orthmann began his 84-year employment with the RenauxView textile company, at the age of 15.

Due to financial problems at home, Orthmann told officials, he began to work to help his family. He went with his mom to apply for a job, and because of his strong proficiency in German, he was hired.

Orthmann began working at the company on January 17, 1938, when it was called Industrias Renaux. Since then, he has been working at the same company.

"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," Orthmann said

Officials said after getting his first position as a shipping assistant, Orthmann showed outstanding skills and a willingness to learn. So, he was promoted to a position in sales and became a successful sales manager.

The 100-year-old said he believes that the best part about having a job is that it gives you a sense of purpose, commitment and a routine.

Walter Orthmann said he’s had adapt to all the different changes that the business world has been dealt with throughout the years

His advice for any looking for a long and fulfilling professional life – well maybe not as long as him – is simple: do what you love and stay away from junk food.

‘You have to like to work. I started to work with that willingness and fighting spirit,’ Orthmann said in a recent interview with Reuters.

‘You can’t just do any job to say that you are working. That doesn’t work. You’re not going to be able to stand it.’

Orthmann could have well retired several decades ago, but having a ‘purpose, commitment and routine’ at a job is what still keeps him going after he established the record in 2019 with 81 years and 85 days.
-GuinessWorld/Reuters