Zhang Guolao had been a fruit seller before becoming one of the eight immortals. Although his job and income were anything but dependable, he was generous with his money, quick to help anyone in need. His eccentric ways were what enabled him to become an immortal. Afterwards, he still never had any money.
張果老成仙前是個果子販，沒有穩定職業與收入，卻出手大方，濟助他人，成仙後他仍然一無所有，整天倒騎著驢子，四處逍遙，不看方向、不管速度，不圖快與省力，反其道而行是他成仙的基礎。