How happy we are in our lives is often based on the company we keep, and the work we do. For one World War II veteran, his life needed meaning after his wife, Cassandra, had died. Loneliness had found its way in, as had boredom.
So, at age 89, Joe Bartley from Devon, United Kingdom, decided at the time to take an unusual approach to keeping busy – he put in an advertisement hoping to find a job, as he said to keep him from ‘dying of boredom’. Joe placed his ad in the local newspaper twice. It read simply: “Senior citizen 89 seeks employment in Paignton area. 20hrs+ per week. Still able to clean, light gardening, DIY and anything. I have references. Old soldier, airborne forces.”
Save me from dying of boredom!”
To Joe’s amazement, he said the reaction to the advertisement had been “blinkin’ mad’ and that he was becoming somewhat of a celebrity.
At right, Joe Bartley shakes hands during his interview at the Cantina Kitchen and Bar. Photo from the Cantina
“When I first put in the ad, I thought it was just an old guy looking for work – I don’t really see what is strange about that,” Joe said. “But have I now reached celebrity status? That might worry some people, but it doesn’t worry me. I’m rather chuffed in a way.”
Joe said he had lived alone since his wife Cassandra died. “I miss my wife dreadfully, and when you live on your own there is no one to speak to. Since she died I’ve moved into a flat and it’s a big block. Once you walk into that flat it’s like solitary confinement.”
With no children or close family members, Joe’s time was often lonely. But once he put the ad out, old friends, as well as new ones, had reached out, giving the senior citizen a chance at friendship, as well.
At the time, he said, “I like reading, and I’ll watch a bit of television but there’s a lot of guff on these days. I just got bored stiff with nothing to do, and I thought even though I am 89 I can still work. I can work a hoover, I can clean tables, some gardening – anything really.”
Joe Bartley made the news before his death due to his kindness and need to find a job so he wasn’t bored and lonely any longer. Photo by SWNS
At the time, the veteran said he was looking for something to help pay bills and keep boredom at bay. “I wanted at least 20 hours and then I can cover the rent. I get housing support, which is great, but I want to be my own man and pay my own way.” And his patience and friendliness finally won over a local cafe called the Cantina Kitchen and Bar.
I don’t think I’ve had a job interview before. I’m joyfully surprised at the outcome – I’m really glad I got it.”
Joe had told local reporters that being around others made everything better. “They all seem really nice and one lady gave me a kiss.,” he said, smiling. “You don’t see anybody where I am, in a flat, so I’m looking forward to getting involved and meeting people.”
And for the next two years, Joe served customers and friends alike. And when he suddenly passed away after being forced to retire due to illness, the cafe customers and staff said that his lessons on life would live on. “He was a breath of fresh air for us all,” said Barry George, Cantina director. “He was a wonderful character who will be sadly missed.”
And despite his health woes, Joe continued to visit the Cantina for a pint of beer and a meal, along with the friendship he had found amongst staff and regular customers. Joe had said that the job had made him “feel like a working man again.” But it’s the lessons he taught about finding worth in your life, no matter your age, that will live on with the customers and staff at the Cantina. Watch below to see Joe and his interview for the job that would change everyone’s life.
Sources: The Guardian | The Mirror