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MIDGE Holman says his best advice to job-seekers is to put yourself out there.
The 64-year-old who stood by the side of the road last year with a sign saying “I need a job” has now been offered a full-time position.
The offer came on Wednesday - 12 months to the day he started as a casual yardman at Andy’s Earthmovers in Big Hill.
He said the comfort of having full-time employment was the best thing that had happened to him.
“It’s the first time I’ve got ongoing work,” he said.
“I’d been subbing for 25 years. You don’t know what you’re going to be doing the following week. Now I’ve got holidays and sick leave. It’s excellent.”
Mr Holman said he enjoyed the work in the yard and doing odd jobs around the site.
He said the 38 degree day he spent walking along Kangaroo Flat last January had paid off.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen. I probably didn’t think a year later I would have this job. But you’ve got to take chances.”
You've got to take chances and put yourself out there
- Midge Holman
He said the secret for anyone searching for work was to "get out there and let people know you're looking".
Commercial manager Trent Everest said he was impressed by Mr Holman’s commitment.
“He’s here early every day and nothing is a problem for him,” he said.
“He just dives in head first and gets his work done.”
Mr Everest said it was a win-win situation for the company.
“We’re rapt for him,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic result for both parties.”
Mr Holman said he put his work ethic and positive outlook down to his parents' influence.
“I’ve got an old school attitude,” he said.
“My parents were always working hard. Mum was raising seven kids and slaving over a hot stove all day.”
Mr Holman said his move from Echuca to Bendigo had also given him a chance to spend more time with his son and grandson. And he said he wasn’t planning on leaving, or retiring anytime soon.
“I’m only young,” he said.
“I reckon I'll be here until I’m 80.”