Deadline

When I first started Avanta, they said something along the lines of "Ok, we're going to aim to get you into work by November (2011), so that's your back-to-work deadline" - this was entered into their system.

Now you'd think this was fair enough; a nice little goal to motivate you and them. Nothing too formal, just "yeah, November would be good".

But this is Avanta, and logic goes out the window when you enter the door.

Now this date has passed, I've had this conversation:

Adviser: Are you aware you've passed your back-to-work deadline?

Me: You mean the date you put on the system?

Adviser: Yes. You were supposed to be in work by November. Since that date has passed, we're really going to have to push you now.

Me: But that's just a date somebody plucked out of the air. Typing a month into a computer doesn't make it any more likely that I'll be employed by then.

[the fact I'd only seen Avanta like 4 or 5 times at this point could also account for the date being useless]

Adviser: I see what you're saying, but we've told the Job Centre we'd have you working by November so now we have to explain to them why you're not.

Me: ... because if it was as easy as picking a date, I'd have just done that a year ago and I'd magically have a job.

Adviser: OK, well what we'll do now is set a new back-to-work date to work towards. If I can't get you into a job, it comes down on me and I'll be joining you on the dole.


At least he's honest.