In an era where job-hopping is the norm and redundancy looms for many, the story of one man's unwavering 84-year career offers profound lessons for UK workers. Walter Orthmann, who passed away in August 2024 at the age of 102, dedicated his entire working life to a single company, revealing a simple yet powerful philosophy for professional fulfilment and endurance.
The Unbreakable Record: Eight Decades in One Role
Walter Orthmann began his journey as a 15-year-old packing assistant on January 17, 1938. Hired as a temporary worker for the textile company RenauxView in Brusque, Brazil, he would remain there until well past his 100th birthday. This remarkable tenure stands in stark contrast to the average UK worker, who changes roles approximately every five years.
His career spanned monumental technological shifts. Walter recalled encountering his first calculator only a few years after starting, and he successfully adapted from manual accounting books to managing complex global supply chains and modern enterprise software. His colleagues celebrated his 100th birthday by honouring his incredible versatility and adaptability over the years.
The Three-Pillar Philosophy for Career Longevity
With around 45% of people facing redundancy at some point, Walter's secrets for holding onto his job are more relevant than ever. He distilled his approach into three core principles: staying curious, learning constantly, and doing what you love.
"I like working here at the company," Walter explained in an interview. "I used to enjoy traveling for work, and that way you don't even feel the time passing." He advised people to manage their diet, prioritise sleep, and actively avoid stress. "Don't get nervous, do everything laughing. Only do what you enjoy doing," he said.
A Life Lived in the Present: Walter's Broader Wisdom
Beyond professional advice, Walter shared a holistic philosophy for a peaceful life. He urged people to live without enmity. "Don't have enemies," he counseled. "Apologise. Live peacefully. Life is just a passage here on Earth, enjoy it, do what you want."
He believed in focusing on the present moment. "I don’t do much planning, nor care much about tomorrow," Walter outlined. "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."
This mindset, coupled with his innate kindness and willingness to help, made him a beloved "mentor" to younger colleagues. Company bosses noted that his exemplary conduct and value meant they never considered letting him go. Born in 1922 to German parents in Brazil, Walter was a bright student who left school at 15 to support his family, beginning a sales journey that would see him rise to become a successful Sales Manager.
While Brazil's labour laws, which do not force private-sector retirement, facilitated his long tenure, it was clearly Walter's attitude that sustained it. He never chose to stop working, remaining engaged and passionate until his death. His story is a powerful testament to how passion, continuous learning, and a positive outlook can define not just a career, but an entire life.
