u/Grouchy_Rhubarb_8189

Anyone here working at Adelaide woolworths CFC, how does it feel to get 6-10 hours rostered shifts a week lol.

3 hrs a day they roster the shift, I mean wtf.

I've been here a while now and honestly it's been a struggle since day one to make the cost of living work.

I used to work in construction long hours, worked my ass off but ended up leaving because the workplace culture was toxic as even though I kept working hard each day they weren't satisfied and kept on talking nonsense, it Wasn't worth it no matter how hard I grafted and affected my mental health.

After that I was genuinely stoked to land a retail job. It's the kind of work I'd always wanted to get into. But the shifts have been all over the place, only 6 to 10 hours a week, which just doesn't cover the basics. So now I'm in the position of needing a second job that can give me another 10–15 hours a week, ideally with shifts flexible enough to work around my retail roster.

A few things I'm hoping to get from this post:

If your workplace is hiring casual or part-time (retail, hospo, warehouse, production, honestly anything) and is decent about hours, I'd really appreciate a pointer in the right direction. Happy to take specifics over DM.

For anyone managing the Adelaide cost of living right now whether you grew up here or moved here for study/work like me ,what's actually helped? Budgeting tricks, cheap eats, side hustles, anything that's gotten you through a tight patch.

For other students (international or local) juggling multiple casual jobs around classes, how do you do it without burning out?

Not trying to just vent , I know plenty of people here are doing it tough right now, not just students. Just feeling stretched thin and figured this community might have some practical advice or leads.

Thanks heaps in advance 🙏

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to start a real conversation about this because I feel like not many people talk about the actual grind behind the "studying abroad" dream.

The cost of rent in most major cities has gone through the roof. Groceries, transport, utilities — everything keeps climbing. And we're sitting here capped at 24 hours of work per week.

Do the math: even at $25–27/hr (if you're lucky), that's maybe $600 a week before tax. After rent, food, and bills, there's barely anything left. And that's not even counting uni fees, textbooks, or health cover (OSHC).

Some of us are juggling two jobs just to hit that 24-hour cap. Others are skipping meals or sharing a single room with 3–4 people. A few are quietly working over the limit and living in constant fear of visa consequences.

The system wasn't designed for the current cost of living. The 24-hour rule made more sense when rent was half of what it is now.

Genuinely curious — how are you all managing? What's your situation like?

— Are you eating well?
— How many jobs are you working?
— Are you getting enough sleep alongside your studies?
— Has your mental health taken a hit?

No judgment here. Just want to hear the real stories because the struggle is real and we don't talk about it enough.

Drop your experience below 👇

Working at Woolworths CFC casual is the worst experience I have ever faced.

Actually, I was applying for a job as soon as I landed here in Australia and finally got accepted at Woolworths. Later, later, I found out that it was a warehouse and the experience I am having to work over there is worse to say.

no workplace culture,

low shifts,

strict KPIs

Get scheduled for 3.30 or 3.45 hours, so that they do not need to pay for the breaks

say they only give 24 hrs on school breaks as well

Receive weekly shifts of 6.30 hrs lol when you have a pick rate of 200+ and improving consistently