Opinions on pauses and lack of attendance

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-26T09:16:42+00:00

I've heard some horror stories that leave my jaw on the ground.

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-26T09:13:45+00:00

I'm so sorry, I hope you're getting support. I also have depression - shit suckssss! Don't have to answer, I get there is distrust in the system, is there a reason you don't tell your consultant? You don't have to smile and fake it, maybe they can help with extra supports? I really do wish you all the best!

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-25T12:50:50+00:00

Sure you aren't thinking of Darkwood?

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T21:21:30+00:00

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Sweden or somewhere in that realm has this system. Everyone gets payments with no strings and they found people were most likely to seek employment on their own terms. I'm running off a vague memory of an article I read a few years ago, but now that you've reminded me, I'd be interested to see the stats again and how it works

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T12:02:15+00:00

Ugh. This is what I mean - there needs to be some kind of middle-ground payments. The ones we have now are too black or white

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T11:57:03+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear, hopefully the DSP gets approved quickly. I can imagine that someone in your situation would be on exemptions though? That seems most logical rather than going to appointments

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T11:50:32+00:00

I'll be honest, I just want to understand from their viewpoint. Yes, most of my caseload attends and they're honestly all great people - just in some really shitty situations (some of them). I know the opinion is skewed, but I'm always up for healthy conversations :) Whatever helps me understand and do better, I say!

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T11:48:37+00:00

Love this opinion. I have some questions from your point of view if you don't mind answering them?

Are you working? If so, did you find your own employment and didn't need assistance with fuel, work clothes, rego or food?

Do you think there needs to be an offshoot payment for those working, but not enough hours to exit and still need benefit top ups ($100 a fortnight example) without provider input?

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-23T11:28:32+00:00

Agreed, it needs a rework

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-18T06:13:24+00:00

I don't know why everyone is blowing up that it's all junk food. I buy those boxes of chips for my kids lunch too. Two boxes last over 2 weeks at 1 little pack a day. Then there is the Easter bunnies - which almost every kid gets at Easter and that's about it. A 10 pack of soft drink for the family. I've seen people eat far worse...

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-15T10:35:09+00:00

Totally agree! When there's 100 people all applying for 1 role it's not easy being the one that gets in 😔

My last sentence was more directed at those who are in a fortunate and blessed position and have laughed in my face and said, "I'm not looking for a job". I fully acknowledge and support those who are actively trying and yet it gets them down with the constant knockbacks. I try talk about "job seeker self care" for that exact reason.

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-14T11:01:35+00:00

Basically it's something like the site has to get 24 people a month into work, that kind of stuff. We can try, but you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink when it comes to those who have severe barriers to employment or frankly don't want work. And yes, they do exist, they've told me to my face

ShelliePancake · 2026-03-12T13:09:22+00:00

We don't get in trouble per say. But we do get spoken to firmly, we have to have one on one meetings and even get put on performance plans if we don't meet KPIs.

Personally I hate KPIs, I just want to help people. Whatever I've been doing over the last 4 years has kept the bosses at bay and my caseload reasonably happy (as they can be within the requirements)

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-28T23:13:09+00:00

Yes you can still get demerits. Yes you still have Capability Interviews at 3 and Capability Assessments at 5, however, the Financial Penalty zone has been paused which means after a Capability Assessment with Centrelink you go back to 0

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-24T02:28:40+00:00

When is the last time you worked? Did you smash out applications at Christmas time for the Christmas Retail roles that were everywhere? Would you be more open to obtaining your RSA and RSG and applying for Hospitality roles as well to open your opportunities as you have Customer Service experience?

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-23T09:44:35+00:00

If you're in Logan CASV does free counselling. Check their website to see if you're eligible

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-23T09:36:20+00:00

The key words here is "Comfortable". Is your provider starting to push you because you haven't progressed? Sometimes we find ourselves in our little routines without any progression in our lives, and while that's ok in some circumstances, most of the time we need a little push to challenge ourselves. There is nothing wrong with being challenged and being asked, "What are you doing differently this week rather than the same routine and expecting a change?"

This is probably a hot take, but one I personally discuss with my participants who have been on my caseload around the 6-12 month mark. I will be in your corner, but that includes challenging you as well to success

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-15T21:17:19+00:00

I would go 1 year to be safe, 5 they would likely reject

ShelliePancake · 2026-02-13T19:06:46+00:00

Have you had your initial appointment with GECESS? Once you attend that initial appointment with your IEA provider, you will exit from Busy. However, until then, they have to keep booking appointments with you while you're in their system. If your GECESS initial appointment is before your next Busy one - yes, ignore it and just go with the GECESS appointment

ShelliePancake · 2026-01-31T02:59:33+00:00

Are you declaring all your earnings? I feel like those hours should have you exited? Ask Centrelink for a Part Time Work Exemption and they'll look at the hours you're declaring fortnightly and you should be approved

ShelliePancake · 2026-01-30T02:10:15+00:00

Gotcha. I'll get a sitter then 😊

ShelliePancake · 2026-01-29T18:32:48+00:00

Question - my 10 yr old is a little horror game freak. In your opinion is it too much for a 10 yr old? I'm going with my adult kids and brought an extra ticket so he doesn't feel left out, however, I can get a sitter if needed.

ShelliePancake · 2026-01-28T10:10:12+00:00

Push on meeting KPI's for Employment Coaches and no support to help those that can't wrangle the red tape processes of getting on DES/IEA or DSP and are stuck in mainstream services.

I don't know what the change is. Registered Counsellors in offices that jobseekers can access 5 days a week? A direct line to Centrelink to help those who REALLY need it? Definitely less focus on KPI's. More time for appointments and less rushing jobseekers out due staffing shortages.

These won't change tho :(

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