89-Year-Old War Vet Gets Job Offers After Posting Ad for Work to Save Him from "Dying of Boredom"

Joe Bartley, an 89-year-old war veteran in London has been flooded with job offers after his ad looking for work to save him from "dying of boredom" went viral. After 6 years of retirement, he decided that an unemployed life wasn't for him. Bored and lonely, he put an ad in his local paper in hopes of finding something to occupy his time and allow him to meet new people.

The ad reads: Work wanted. 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!

In an interview with ITV news he said: "I would feel more like Joe — now I don't feel like Joe because I've got to depend on the Council for rent and everything else. You see when you're working for yourself you're more or less self contained."

He told The Guardian, “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."

How does he feel about receiving all the media attention and job offers? "Rather chuffed. The thing that has always kept me going is my sense of humour. I like a laugh — and I like a happy ending.”

And a happy ending he got! The Cantina Kitchen & Bar in the seaside town of Paignton in southwestern England announced on its Facebook page that Joe Bartley was starting work Sunday.