#A Century of the Purpose #

By vermavkv on August 23, 2024 • ( 4 )

The Remarkable Story of Jayne Burns

Friends,

I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to a lady, I personally do not know but known for her experience shared about how to score a century of your age.

She is a 101-year-old woman who still works 4 days a week—her best advice for a long, happy career. Yes, She is Jayne Burns and today is her Birthday.

Imagine a 101-year-old woman who still drives to work four days a week. Not just any job, but a part-time gig cutting fabric at a local craft store.

Jayne Burns is not your average centenarian. Her story is a testament to the power of purpose, routine, and the enduring joy of human connection.

A Life of Purpose

Jayne Burns didn’t always plan on working past the century mark. Like many of us, she thought retirement would bring a welcome respite, a chance to relax and reflect on a life well-lived.

But life had other plans for her. After her husband, Dick, passed away in 1997, Jayne found herself at a crossroads.

Her daughter, Donna Burns, suggested she take up a part-time job at Joann’s, where Donna was already employed. What began as a distraction from grief turned into a profound source of fulfillment.

For the past 26 years, Jayne has been cutting fabric at Joann’s. The job, she says, gave her something to look forward to each day, a reason to get out of bed and engage with the world.

Even at 101, she drives herself 20 minutes from her home to the store, where she clocks in, ready to meet the day with a smile and a steady hand at the cutting table.

The Secret to Longevity

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Jayne is refreshingly candid. “I enjoy what I do, so I want to keep doing it,”

she says simply. It’s not just the work itself that keeps her going, but the relationships she’s built along the way. “I enjoy talking to everybody I work with, and meeting the customers who are very nice,” she shares, “even if some of them are surprised to see me at the cutting table.”

Jayne’s story isn’t just about defying age; it’s about the importance of staying engaged, maintaining a sense of purpose, and surrounding yourself with kind, supportive people.

Her number one piece of career advice? Find nice co-workers. “It’s important to find people who are friendly and kind,” she emphasizes.

At Joann’s, she’s found more than just colleagues; she’s found friends, like Maggie HusVar, a rising senior at Thomas More University. Maggie and Jayne have even made TikTok videos together, one of which has garnered over nine million views.

The Power of Positive Relationships

The significance of these relationships is supported by an 85-year study conducted by Harvard researchers. This landmark study found that the key to a long and happy life is positive relationships.

Whether at home or at work, these connections are what keep us going, especially during tough times. The study also revealed that jobs with strong interpersonal relationships tend to be more fulfilling and less stressful.

On the other hand, lonely jobs, which often require independent work or overnight shifts, can contribute to unhappiness and even poor health.

Jayne’s life is a living example of these findings. She’s tried retiring multiple times throughout her 70s and 80s, but each time, she “unretired” within a few months. Why?

Because she missed the routine, the camaraderie, and the simple pleasure of sharing lunch with her co-workers. “Staying busy keeps you from focusing on your aches and pains,” she says. “It makes it easier to keep going.”

As we celebrate Jayne Burns on her 101st birthday, her life offers us invaluable lessons on how to live long and live well.

It’s not about finding the perfect job or having everything figured out by a certain age. Instead, it’s about finding joy in the every day, staying connected with others, and doing what you love for as long as you can.

As Jayne herself says, “I’ll work for as long as I can or as long as they’ll have me.”

So, what’s the secret to living a long and happy life?
Jayne Burns shows us that it’s not really a secret at all. It’s about finding your purpose, staying engaged, and cherishing the relationships that make life worth living.

Whether you’re 21 or 101, these are the principles that can guide you to a life of fulfillment and joy.

Happy Birthday, Jayne Burns, and thank you for showing us that age is just a number, and life is what we make of it.
Here’s to many more years of cutting fabric, making friends, and living life to the fullest.