Summer Jobs: 'I worked 48 hours across three days as a pub employee at Christmas'

9Honey's Summer Jobs series is all about shining a light on the Australians who work through Christmas and the summer holidays while the rest of the nation enjoys a relaxing break.

Here, general manager Luke Reimann reveals what really goes on behind the scenes at pubs like The Botany View Hotel over Christmas.

What is your job and why does it require you to work through Christmas?

I'm the Licensee of The Botany View Hotel so I tend to work through the Christmas period. I can't in good conscience expect my staff to work it if I don't!

Do you also miss out on New Year celebrations?

Yes and no. Working on New Year's Eve is a good way to save money and still be at a pretty great party. Often friends and loved ones will spend NYE at the pub so we can be together as well.

What's it like to have you work ramp up when the rest of the nation is winding down?

After 25 years I'm pretty used to it; you've got to make hay while the sun is shining.

When was the last time you had Christmas off? Was it special?

It was just before COVID-19 and it was a really nice one, my partner and I managed to get down to Victoria to see the majority of the family which was a really rare treat.

What do you miss about having that time off?

Can't say that I do miss it, as I still manage to get the work/life balance that I need. My longer holidays tend to be in February, which is a really nice time to get away as well – plus its cheaper and less crowded.

What's the worst part of missing out on Christmas holidays?

Honestly, I almost prefer it.

Are there any perks to working through the Christmas season?

Financially it's way better and I'm not huge on crowds, so avoiding all of that is pretty nice too.

What's the funniest/craziest/most unbelievable story you have about working through Christmas?

A million years ago (OK, maybe 20) I was working in pubs in Melbourne and ended up doing 48 hours of work in a three days period. It was really intense and there's no way I could physically manage it now, but once it was done it was super satisfying. Plus I made a fortune!

Do you ever feel left out or at a disadvantage while other Aussies get time off during the summer?

Not at all, but that's just me. I'm positive lots of people hate it but it's the same as working weekends in my opinion. I like having a Tuesday off when the supermarket is quiet, traffic is better I can easily get a booking at a restaurant.