Man who’s worked seven days a week his whole life turns 98

For one man, working a lot – seven days a week his whole life – has led to longevity.

Jack Grier, who turned 98 years old on May 9, is believed to be the oldest full-time employee in the US. And he continues to work at one of The Planter Companies in Chicago, Illinois.

‘It makes me feel good,’ Grier told FOX 32. ‘I’m able to associate myself with things that I’ve associated myself with for so long. It’s a habit.’

Grier said that his secret to a long life is that he controls his own thinking. A craftsman, Grier makes molds for trophies and other awards. He looks at problems as opportunities rather than setbacks.

He stays away from negative words like ‘work’ and instead says he’s ‘going to the shop’.

‘It’s how you look at them and how you deal with them and then, they’re no longer a problem,’ Grier said.

Grier added that he laughs and enjoys life.

‘I laugh a lot. It’s easy for me to laugh,’ he said. ‘Perhaps it’s because of my long years of living and the things that I’ve experienced, most things are funny.’

His hardworking and positive attitude have made him a mentor for the entire company, said his boss and owner of The Planter Companies, Eric Priceman.

‘He’s just somebody who has been here for so long, who teaches us everything, who has taught us everything,’ Priceman told the TV station.

Grier in July 2020 spoke about working every day of the week, joking that it was ‘quite enough’ time. During the coronavirus pandemic, Grier continued going to the factor to train new hires.

‘Whatever comes up, I’ve already been through it,’ Grier told FOX 32 at the time.

‘So I have no surprises. In other words, I’ve said: “Whatever comes next, bring it on. What’s next?”‘

Priceman joked that Grier will ‘be around forever’ at the company.

‘I tell him he can’t retire until he’s 108,’ Priceman said.

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