Walter Orthmann got his first job at 15 and 84 years later he was still working for the same company - he revealed the three qualities that made it work

09:58, Fri, Jan 16, 2026 Updated: 09:58, Fri, Jan 16, 2026

Walter Orthmann

Walter Orthmann started as a packing assistant at the age of 15 (Image: GWR)

The typical British worker switches roles roughly every five years, with older staff members showing greater loyalty. However, Walter Orthmann was an exceptional case.

With redundancies a common reality, and approximately 45% of workers experiencing job loss at some stage, Walter shared the secret behind maintaining his position for an astonishing 84 years.

According to Orthmann, the key is simply - "staying curious, learning constantly, and really doing what you love".

He also advised people to look after their diet, get proper rest, and steer clear of stress, stating: "Don't get nervous, do everything laughing. Only do what you enjoy doing. I like working here at the company, I used to enjoy travelling (for work), and that way you don't even feel the time passing."

Walter Orthmann

The centenarian explained his philosophy of life (Image: CNN)

"Don't have enemies," he advised. "Apologise. Live peacefully. Life is just a passage here on Earth, enjoy it, do what you want."

Describing his approach to life, Walter explained: "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!"

As Walter marked his 100th birthday, colleagues at his workplace paid tribute to his extraordinary adaptability throughout the decades. Across eight decades at textile firm ReneauxView, Walter has successfully navigated everything from traditional accounting ledgers to modern global supply chains and sophisticated enterprise software systems.

Younger members of staff at the company describe him as "a mentor" who provided guidance with a steady approach and led "quietly," prioritising listening and demonstrating leadership through his actions. According to management, it was his compassionate nature and readiness to assist others that ensured they never contemplated his departure.

Walter was born in Brazil to German parents in 1922 and excelled academically, but at just 15 years old, he left education to help support his family financially.

Walter Orthmann

Walter recalled the various changes he's seen in the workplace over the years (Image: CNN)

Consequently, on January 17, 1938, he joined the company as a packing assistant. During a 2020 television interview discussing his exceptionally long career with the firm, Walter remembered encountering his first calculator several years into his employment.

Shortly after joining the business, Walter secured advancement into a sales role. Subsequently, he progressed to become an accomplished Sales Manager.

Brazil's rigorous employment legislation has played a part in Walter's extended career at the firm. The nation's state pension scheme sets minimum retirement ages (presently 65 for men and 62 for women) alongside contribution stipulations.

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However, drawing a pension doesn't necessarily mean private-sector employees must cease working. Yet, the rules shift when it comes to public sector roles: civil servants are required to retire at 75.

This underscores that compulsory age limits are tied to certain public roles, not the private sector. Walter passed away in August 2024 at the ripe old age of 102. He never chose to hang up his work boots.