In the world of corporate life, where routines often dominate, it’s heartening to hear stories of employees who find passion and purpose beyond their nine-to-five responsibilities. Joe L. Abdilla, a long-time employee at Melita, is one such individual whose journey from the office to becoming a published photographer is nothing short of inspiring.
Joe L. Abdilla’s connection with Melita spans over two decades, with his journey commencing in August 1999. At work, Joe holds the position of a customer service technician, but his role is far from ordinary. In fact, it’s quite unique. Joe provides crucial support to all installation contractors and in-house service technicians, assisting them with any requirements related to cherry pickers – those specialised bucket trucks used in various utility and maintenance tasks. Joe’s years of experience and dedication to safety have made him an expert in his field, ensuring that these potentially dangerous tasks are carried out with utmost caution and professionalism.
Joe’s commitment to his work is undeniable, and he has excelled in a role that demands precision, knowledge, and a deep understanding of safety protocols. However, as he approaches retirement age, he is ready to embark on a new chapter in his life; one that has been long in the making.
His journey into the world of photography began in 1980s. In 2022 his family gifted him a 75-minute flight around the Maltese islands. Joe didn’t waste a moment and took his camera along, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the islands from above. The outcome was a treasure trove of photographs that would become the foundation for his new project showcasing the beauty of the Maltese islands through his lens.
Joe decided to enhance his collection and create a high-quality tourist album. With the support of friends and mentors, Joe worked tirelessly to create his album, transforming it into a 90-page A4-sized full-page hard-bound picture book.
September 1st, 2023, was a significant milestone in Joe’s photography adventure. That day, he presented 2 copies to Ms. Cheryl Falzon, CEO of Malta National Libraries, and to the Mosta Local Council and Mosta Library. The warm reception from the Maltese community was heartening, with the book rapidly gaining popularity.
Beyond Malta’s shores, Joe’s work has found its way to various corners of the globe where copies of his book have already reached Australia, Rome, England, Scotland, Denmark, and Sweden, a testament to the universal appeal of his photography. Moreover, Joe’s book is now available in 16 shops across different localities in Malta, offering residents and tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s beauty through his lens. His book was also available during the Malta International Airshow 2023.
His humble approach to newfound success makes Joe’s story even more remarkable. Despite the clamour for a sequel, he wisely takes one step at a time, prioritising his current ventures while acknowledging the possibility of future projects in retirement.
In his personal life, Joe Abdilla is a devoted family man, married to Mary for 37 years. They have four children and two grandsons, aged 13 and 3. His dedication to his family shines through in his work, as he has dedicated his first book to them. It’s a testament to the love and support that have fueled his journey from a corporate employee to a celebrated photographer.
Apart from photography, Joe is also an active licenced radio amateur since 1987 and on an annual basis since 1998, every third week of October, Joe sets up his station for the Mosta Scouts “Jamboree on the Air”.
Once a hobby, photography has become Joe’s passion and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the wisdom of his father-in-law, who had long suggested he enter photography competitions. It seems he was right all along.
As a token of gratitude and recognition for the last 20 years with Melita Limited, Joe has extended a generous offer to all Melita employees who wish to acquire a copy of his book, further fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation within the company.
Joe L. Abdilla’s story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams and that sometimes, our true calling lies just beyond the horizon of our daily routines. Joe’s artistic odyssey inspires not only his colleagues but anyone who dares to chase their passions with unwavering determination.
