Wollongong’s Jacki Hodge has landed a truly one-of-a-kind job that supports her passion for travel. Photo: Jacki Hodge.
What’s the weirdest thing you’d eat to get rid of a hangover?
It’s almost guaranteed that Wollongong’s Jacki Hodge will try something even stranger over the next 12 months – but that’s a price she’s willing to pay to beat the nine-to-five grind.
Jacki started posting travel content three years ago, after she worked a summer at a bar in Greece.
The post-holiday blues were real, and she thought the videos might help her trade her office job for a life lived out of a suitcase.
Now, in a bid to satisfy her wanderlust, she’s taken on the role of Chief Hangover Officer with Australian company alc-Eze.
The gig pays $100,000 a year to travel the world and test traditional hangover remedies – a job offer any ‘Gong gal would jump at.
While they might not be to everyone’s taste (Sardinian dried bull’s penis, anybody?) Jacki said she was stoked to have landed the gig.
“I love travel, I love adventure and I love a party so it’s ideal,” she said.
“I had to get it – I sent a video of me eating raw beef heart in Tokyo to prove I was ready to eat weird and wonderful things.
“I’m so excited to see places I’ve never been to like Slovakia, Munich in Germany and Hong Kong.”
It’s the ultimate junket, but alc-eze co-founder Anthony Taylor said there was a serious side to the role.
If Jacki finds anything that genuinely makes her feel better the day after a big night, the company’s research team will look into it.
He said the company would not encourage Jacki to drink to excess, but to go out as she usually would.
Younger generations are increasingly conscious of the health risks of alcohol consumption, and are overall drinking less.
The number of Australians between the ages of 18 and 24 who drink once a month or less has doubled since 2001 to one in five Australians, according to research from the University of NSW.
The proportion of young people who’ve never consumed a full glass of alcohol has also more than doubled since 2001, from 7.5 per cent to 16.3 per cent.
Health concerns and social and economic pressures are all part of the shift to drinking less, and less often.
Alcohol is the drug that causes the highest number of deaths, injury and illness in Australia.
Many young people see hangovers and aclohol-induced anxiety as an impediment to a good life.
Jacki said social media reels of partying in exotic locations were just one part of her story.
“I live a balanced life; I go to the gym, I go running, “she said.
“I don’t think you have to choose between health and partying, and I’d like to show that you can travel, party and still do awesome activities and see awesome things.”
