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Former Soldier, 89, 'Dying Of Boredom' Places Ad Looking For Job
An 89-year-old former soldier has been offered two jobs after placing an advert in his local paper seeking employment, because he said he's dying of boredom.
Joe Bartley started looking because he couldn't face living on benefits and had become sick of sitting at home in South Devon.
The widower was a member of the Airborne Forces and served in Palestine after the Second World War.
He retired from a cleaning job when he was 83-years-old but feels that he still has plenty to offer and would like to work around 20 hours a week.
Image courtesy: SWNS
His advert, which appeared in the classified section of the Herald Express newspaper, read:
"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 services. Save me from dying of boredom!"
Mr Bartley wants to fill his days with something interesting to do since his wife died. He said: "I was a sign writer by trade and have always been an active man."
"I am still active enough now. My wife died two years ago and I am not a television person. I like reading but you can't do that all the time and it has been like I have been living in solitary confinement."
"I am on housing benefit but I would much rather work and pay my own way which I have done my whole life. I am old-fashioned like that.
Joe Bartley was a member of the Airborne Forces and served in Palestine. Image courtesy: SWNS
"You see when you're working for yourself you're more or less self-contained. I don't know how to explain it any better really. You feel more individual and you're meeting people, you know, making friends."
"I can't get used to living on my own and doing nothing. I am bored stiff. I am still active but when I come back to the flat I have nothing to do. I certainly can't watch television all day."
The pensioner from Paignton in Devon said he was still waiting for an offer of permanent employment to come from the advert.
Mr and Mrs Bartley. Image Courtesy: SWNS
It’s not the first time he has come out of retirement. He started his cleaning job when he was 70.
Cover image courtesy: SWNS
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