New Network Agency

I started at my new agency this week, I can't believe what a difference.

They treat you so nice, and really care about you as a person, no pushing you into jobs just to get placements. They focus on what you need in the way of training, what skills you already have and if you need to refresh and improve. They offer you training. Now thats my idea of an Agency, there to help you.

Instead of three days per week, I only go two days for an hour. They offer you lollies to which I thought was very nice. They have the latest equipment, and you only have a couple in the room at one time. They do a lot more for you, instead of leaving you to fen for yourself.

They work on an Holistic view, rather than a dictatorship, they are very different to all the other Agencies as they are religiously based. Yes I am going to tell you who...Centacare, trust me, don't waste your time with any others, these guys are very conducive to creativity and productivity. They will help you map your career.

I have spent all afternoon, searching, producing applications and emailing to Employers only managed to get four off today compared to eight the other week, but I put a lot of work into it. I was not successful with the previous applications, I think there is still two I haven't heard back from yet. So lets hope I atleast get an interview from my efforts for today. Here is a list of todays jobs:-

Casual Receptionist PT - Physiotherapy Practice
Administration Part-Time - Motor Industry Body Works
Office Administration PT - Manufacturing Company
Office Administration ? - The ad didn't say what type of company it was

It's a shame they are all part-time, except the last one is filling in for the Manager in a two person office, so it could be full-time.

Aside from today's, Centacare has forwarded my resume to an Employer that has an anticipated vacancy, and the feed back is good, so I hope to get an interview with
them soon.

It's really hard work doing job applications and phone calls constantly, I look forward to obtaining a position soon, so I can have a rest from it. LOL

It would be so great to find a good office position and actually be earning a decent wage, I so look forward to it. I really miss being able to shop and buy nice things, but I always have to say, "no" I can't afford that, must pay phone bill first. By the time you pay bills and food there is never anything left for clothes.

It must happen eventually, I so hope it is a decent wage so I can catch up and get some money behind me. I know money is not the most important thing, but it sure seems that way, when you haven't had an abundance for so long!!

Wish me luck!!

Over & Out For Now.

Positive & Happy

What a relief, finally a solution. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders.

The breaching decision went in my favour, so they obviously found out I was telling the truth.

Centrelink have been very helpful and supportive to me, so I am very greatful for their input.

I spoke to the customer service assistant about the stress and worry I had recently sufferred as a result of someone wrongfully breaching me, and how I would have coped financially if I had been disconnected from my payments for eight weeks. She was understanding of the damage that had been caused, offerring me advice as to what I could do about it, not to let it go unoticed but bring it to the attention of those who could put a stop to this sort of thing happenning. she told me an interesting story. Many years back she was working on the main enquiries counter, when she spotted a lady crying and in great distress. Immediately she took the woman aside and began to comfort her, explaining that she may not be able to give her an immediate solution to all her problems, but she would try her hardest to do all she could to help her. Taking the time to calm her down, endeavouring to investigate her situation.

Some years after she was at a training course and a lady stood up and said, as she pointed at her, "That lady saved my life". To the shock of the service assistant, she then explained that she was the distressed and crying person that had received help from her at centrelink so long ago, explaining how she couldn't cope with her circumstances any longer and planned to take her life, deciding that she would try getting some help from centrelink as her last ditch effort.

After hearing that, she had to go outside and have a cry, as it had never occurred to her the impact she made on that ladies life that day.

In this circle of life, what we put out does tend to come back around.....

Isn't This The Cutest Cat You Have Ever Seen!!! What A Face!

Such Funny Naughty Cats!!

clipped from video.google.com Cute crazy cats 1 min 11 sec - 26/09/2006

Toxic Network Agency

I recently had a bad experience with my Network Agency, in fact it is still not resolved. They put me forward for an office position, I was successful and excepted the job. A rate was never mentioned during the interview, so I asked what rate they were offering. Because the position required Myob skills I assumed it would be a reasonably decent hourly rate.

I was told it was based on a level one clerical rate, so I asked if they were hiring me on a 3 mth trial period, and was told no, which meant that after proving myself I wouldn't be entitled to a pay rise. I proceeded to negotiate a rate of $1.oo per hour more with the Employer and she said she would have to check it out with the Director.

UNEMPLOYED HAVE NO RIGHTS:
All hell broke lose when my Government Network Agency found out what happened, they were angry that I even questioned the rate.

The Network Agency called me and demanded I attend their office immediately, and I informed them I was unable to accommodate their wishes due to the fact I had soil all over my feet from gardening that morning and would need to shower and dress before presenting myself at their office, this did not go down well, as the Manageress jumped on the phone, and she was so angry at me, after receiving a stripping down from her, I informed her I would attend her office in the afternoon.
I then called the Employer to make sure they knew I was still interested in accepting the job no matter what the outcome.

I was told they were still interested and wanted me to start the following Monday. At no time did I ever refuse the job in fact I would still be happy to take the job.

After speaking with the Agency the Employer rang me and said she was no-longer interested in offering me the job, as she was worried I might hit her up for a pay rise.(Her exact words)

When I attended my meeting with the Agency Manageress, she told me she was disconnecting me from her Agency, but what she didn't tell me - was she was Breaching me with Centrelink on the accusation that - I refused a job. This is an outright untruth, because that's not what happened. It was the Employers decision, to change their mind, not my refusal.

If you are found to be in breach, by refusing a job, you are disconnected from Centrelink unemployment payment for a period of eight weeks, which is a fine of approximately $2000. The damage that causes to your life is irreparable as someone in her position is well aware of.

Frankly, just being unemployed and on a pittance, is a struggle enough, without being subject to this kind of stress in your life. Can you imagine how you would feel if suddenly your income was cut off for a period of two months, especially if you had not done anything to deserve it?

The matter now goes to the Centrelink Resolutions Department and they are presently investigating. I told them they can put the matter to rest by calling the Employer and she can confirm what I have told them. They were trying to call on a mobile number and don't know who gave it to them, but they were unable to reach anyone. I have since given them the Company phone number and I am waiting for their response.

I would like to think that someone in her position, (Manageress Government Network Agency)would be rapped over the knuckles for the trouble she has caused. I worry about others that may be be subject to her anger. She was aware that I did not refuse the job, I did inform her that I had taken her advice and called the Employer back to explain that I was definitely interested in accepting the job.

In the mean time I have to wait for a decision, while my life hangs in the balance.
If I had committed a crime, its unlikely that I would even be fined $2000.

I have found another Network Agency, and they are really nice people, they have assured me they will never treat me in that manner. I am looking forward to continuing my job search with them.

I feel I must speak out and inform others about the unjust system we have to suffer in Australia, this situation should never have occurred. I am treated like a criminal because I asked for one dollar an hour more. I have committed no crime except to try to secure a decent wage for a decent days work, where's the crime in that. If the Government was doing its job properly, they would be training people to give them more skills so they can succeed in obtaining work. They also should be creating more jobs not trying to force people into part time jobs they themselves would never do.

I hope others will speak out about their experiences. If you can relate to this or wish to comment on what you think about the situation please drop me a line on my site or email me at caroscom.blogspot.com@gmail.com.

I will keep you informed of the outcome.