An Inspiration to both Employees and Employers!

My work is important to me and being able to work till I choose not too (if all's well) is important to me too. In the world where age discrimination is rampant and youth is prized, it is gratifying and encouraging to see that McDonald's (featured here) recognises an excellent worker and continues to keep her around. 

It is also inspiring to see Cynthia Sebastian contributing to society despite her age. In fact, her age can be seen as a plus-point in that she has all that life experiences and wisdom to share with those who are younger than her - regardless if they are her co-workers or the customers. Keeping herself meaningfully occupied is great! I hope to continue being useful well into my 60s and 70s. :) :)

{Article taken from sources sited. No infringement of any copyrights intended. Please refer to sites mentioned.} 

Meet Cynthia Sebastian, the 74-year-old McDonald’s waitress who doesn’t believe in retirement

By BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY | The Malay Mail Online – Sun, Jul 5, 2015

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/meet-cynthia-sebastian-74-old-mcdonald-waitress-doesn-224500894.html

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — Although in her 70s, Cynthia Sebastian still cuts a lean, trim figure.

Her shock of raven-black hair, sharp wit and bubbly personality is uncommon for a person of her advanced years. Only the skin on her hands, stretched taut over white knuckles and wrinkled from three decades of waiting on tables, betrays Sebastian’s picture of youth.

At a time when reports citing alarming statistics say Malaysia’s retirees may one day face poverty, Sebastian’s story is one of inspiration, especially to the country’s unemployed elderly.

Gutsy and full of gumption, Sebastian has been for the past 32 years pulling seven-hour shifts and six-day weeks as part of McDonald’s waitstaff, making her one of its longest-serving employees to date.Unlike most of the fast food chain’s employees, the experienced septuagenarian does it all – she cleans tables, takes orders and even plays the role of customer service officer and guidance counsellor, duties she gladly took upon herself.

Often, Sebastian can be seen opening doors to welcome customers and chatting them up at their tables. She even offers advice on crucial life events like marriage to those who seek her out.

Retirement not an option

“Retirement? I don’t think of it. I just can’t sit at home. I get bored!” she told Malay Mail Online in a recent interview at the Mutiara Damansara McDonald’s outlet where she currently serves.

“I will go on working until I am truly unable to do it any longer. I like this job,” she added with a smile.Independent woman

To Sebastian, every retiree and senior citizen should make sure they are financially independent and remain in the workforce for as long as they are physically able.

The grandmother of seven said she doesn’t believe in being anyone’s dependent, not even her own children’s.

“It’s good to not depend on children. Be independent as much as you can as kids will have their own lives and their own children to educate... like it or not, it’s a cycle.

“Just make sure you give your children a good education so they can be independent. That’s the most important thing,” she said.

Sebastian, the wife of former anti-graft officer Joseph Sebastian who passed away last year, had started her married life as a housewife, devoted only to raising her children and keeping the household in order.

But in 1983, one year after McDonald’s first opened its doors in Malaysia, a determined 40-year-old Sebastian decided it was time to “leave the nest”.

“My son took me to McDonald’s in the then Yow Chuan Plaza, where The Intermark is now. McDonald’s was looking for housewives especially, to join their workforce.“Because all my children were already studying in universities, they didn’t want me to feel bored. Two of my sons were studying abroad at that time and wanted me to make friends and live my life as they felt I have done my duty to raise them,” she told Malay Mail Online.

Despite resistance from her husband, Sebastian remained persistent and stepped into the working world. Today, Sebastian prides herself not just on being financially independent but also on being a physically active 74-year-old.

She said although her son drops her off at work daily, she always walks home once she’s done with her shift.

“As long as I am well and good, I can stay independent... walking at my age is good,” the talkative woman said.

Leaving a mark on society

Sebastian said she derives job satisfaction from helping others, offering them an unexpected friendship and imparting invaluable advice on life lessons.

Having worked through the years in a number of different McDonald’s outlets, however, Sebastian said there are times when the regulars she used to serve would lose track of where she’d gone.

But some of the younger ones, especially the students she sometimes counselled, she said, have tracked her down, eager to show her what they’ve made of themselves.

“It’s great satisfaction knowing that you had made such an impact in so many people’s lives simply by extending your friendship and company,” she said.

“Sometimes, all some people need are just encouragement and kind words. These are things money can’t buy.”