Chula Vista security guard marks 50 years on the job with zero sick days

Chula Vista, California: Tom McKievick has completed what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calls a “lifetime career” — 50 years at the same workplace, without ever calling in sick.

McKievick works as head of security at Fredericka Manor, a senior living community in Chula Vista. He was hired in 1976 after seeing a newspaper ad, with no plans to stay long term.“When I started I wouldn’t think in a million years I’d still be here but I enjoy the residents and the work, and it’s entertaining and it’s challenging, and never boring,” McKievick told Fox 5 San Diego.

Over five decades, he estimates he clocked in roughly 12,650 times — assuming one week of vacation per year. To mark his 50th work anniversary, Fredericka Manor held a party in his honor and presented him with an award.

McKievick says the combination of challenging work and the relationships with residents is what kept him coming back for 50 years.