“Your manager has added 2 photos to the work group” is your fave Facey notification. And you know what that means? The roster’s up.

But wait, there’s no shifts next to your name. Nada. The disrespect!

On one hand, Jessie J is telling you, “It’s not about the money, money, money,” but at the same time, you need the money, money, money and you need more of it. Question is, how in the major eff are you going to survive when you’re not being rostered at work?

Set Aside Coins From Your Previous Pay Check

That way, you have some cushion to land on for, say, the next fortnight.

But first, take a leaf from the Budget Direct Insurance book and “boojay boojay”. Jot down any payments that are automatically debited from your account. Your phone bill, your Netflix and Spotify subscriptions — you name it! Then deduct how much is spent on things like topping up your concession travel card and your lunches at the uni food court. As for the rest? That’s yours for the above-mentioned fortnight.

Take On Shifts At Different Stores

When your manager posts the “[Insert store] needs staff on [insert day and time]. Let me know if you’re interested” message on the work group chat, what do you do? Ignore it? Ignore it no more.

Jump at those opps when you can. Yes, you get to meet new peeps, but more importantly, that’s more money for you. Cha-ching!

It’s Not You, It’s The Hours

It’s easy to jump straight to conclusions after seeing the roster. (“My manager hates me”, anyone?) But look at it this way: There’s probs not enough hours to give out, and that may have something to do with the fact work has been pretty chill lately.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Have your fingers crossed for next week’s roster and sing loudly (in Lorde’s voice), “I’m waiting for it/The hours/I want it.”

Apply For A Second Job

“But what if one dud week turns into two dud weeks, maybe three?” you ask. Make your next money move a la Cardi B.

It can be difficult juggling study and two jobs, but if you’re loaded with shifts in one job and getting zilch in the other, then give the latter the swish and flick. Bye Felicia!

Find Your Side Hustle(s)

Earn some extra dollar bills by taking on a side hustle or two. Take on odd jobs on Airtasker. Offer your pet sitting services on Paw Shake. And, of course, sell any items that — to paraphrase Marie Kondo — don’t spark joy on Depop, eBay and Gumtree. Or, you can do it old school by setting up shop at your local markets.

Enjoy The Time Off

I know, I know. You were on Team “I need the money and I need more of it”, not Team “It’s not about the money, money, money”. But hear me out: Try shifting your thinking to, “What’s that? A week away from dealing with customers? Booyah!” instead.

After all, if you ever wondered what life was like before you accepted the job, the time is now, my friend. Use this time to work on said hustles, get crack-a-lacking on assignments, or do absolutely nothing because why the hell not.

Whatever you do, enjoy your time off before you’re next rostered. (Hopefully.)

Ryan Bautista is an Arts (Media, Culture and Technology) student at the University of New South Wales. Don’t @ him but pineapple belongs on pizza.

(Lead image: Chewing Gum/Netflix)