Work Programme Advisors

Claire_MUFC

A couple of weeks ago, I got changed to a new advisor. Nothing that I had done wrong or anything. My old advisor just said he was a bit concerned about communication issues, and thought I would have more confidence with a female advisor.

About three weeks ago, we had a handover meeting. The new advisor, she seems ok enough. However, there is still some nerves there due to the fact its a whole new person.

Anyway, this new advisor hasn't been in since that meeting due to a bereavement. So, on Friday when I was meant to be in, the other female advisor that works there covered my appointment.

I've no problems at all being changed to a female advisor, as I think my old advisor is right in what he said. But after that appointment on Friday, I have come away knowing I would rather see this other female advisor what covered that appointment.

I felt more confident and comfortable than I have in ages in an appointment. Think its because of a combination of two things. One, the confidence course I'm on at the moment is having some positive effect. But also, the female advisor that covered my appointment on Fri, I already know her through working there last year. I've never really had any confidence issues speaking to her.

Would it be worth speaking to the manager to see if I can get changed to this other female advisor that I know I would prefer and be a whole lot more comfortable with? Or just leave it?

I don't want to be awkward or anything, but I did prefer the female advisor that covered my appointment for the above reasons.

Have I made sense here, and does anyone understand what I am saying?

Claire_MUFC

Just to add on, this female advisor that covered my appointment on Friday actually said that I seemed more confident than I have ever been.

I definitely felt it, and as I say, I think the confidence course I'm on at the moment is having some positive effect. But also, the female advisor that covered my appointment on Fri, I already know her through working there last year. I've never really had any confidence issues speaking to her.

AP007

Do you have an issue with men? How on earth did you keep a job down before?

Dogger69

You need to take yourself outside your comfort zone in order to overcome your confidence issues. I would stay with the advisor you have been allocated.

[Deleted User]

I think you know you "need to help yourself" (isn't that the whole ethos of the jobcentre lot lol!) yep easier said then done sometimes I know!

You say you prefer this other woman advisor - you've made a decision - let them know, telling them as you have already recognised gets my vote ! we can only regret the things we don't do and what is the worst that can happen?

Stick your favourite strong 'can do' music on and pick up the phone when they are back in the office to ask

zugzwang

Sometimes you discuss more personal stuff with an adviser than you would with a work colleague.

You could say you don't want to keep changing adviser, and ask can you stick with the female you saw. That's just a question, you aren't being awkward, you are being assertive. I wouldn't mention that you find it easier, as making things easy for you isn't their usual objective! It's just something that would help with progress.

I expect they will say no. But confidence training should help you in situations like this. There's no need to avoid or confront, just politely assert what you think/need/would like.

AP007

zugzwang wrote: »

Sometimes you discuss more personal stuff with an adviser than you would with a work colleague.

The OP used to work there

Claire_MUFC

AP007 wrote: »

Do you have an issue with men? How on earth did you keep a job down before?

Personally, I prefer males. But the male advisor I did have thinks I will find it easier with a female advisor.

I don't mind what he has suggested, just I prefer the other female advisor in the office to what I have been allocated because I already know her.

My appointment with said advisor on Friday was great. No confidence issues at all.

Claire_MUFC

Deleted%20User wrote: »

I think you know you "need to help yourself" (isn't that the whole ethos of the jobcentre lot lol!) yep easier said then done sometimes I know!

You say you prefer this other woman advisor - you've made a decision - let them know, telling them as you have already recognised gets my vote ! we can only regret the things we don't do and what is the worst that can happen?

Stick your favourite strong 'can do' music on and pick up the phone when they are back in the office to ask

You're right, if they say no the worst that can happen is I am left in the sa.e position that I am in now. So no worse off.

Claire_MUFC

The way this new advisor is doing stuff doesn't really appeal to me either, will only discuss stuff face to face. So any questions about applications or that you can't discuss them unless you go in. Not like you can just afford to drop in when travel expenses are only covered when you are scheduled to be in.

The advisor I seen that covered my appointment on Friday was much more pleasant and helpful. She was said if you need any help or have any questions or anything, just text the office number or email me.