That really helps. It is good to know that this is not usual.
I wrote to the office saying I could not go in until the hiring date was set. No reply (!!!!!)

I spent the day doing apps & it was just in time, because I knew it was the deadline for many other job apps-- I don't think I could have handled going in to "work" and just seeing those pass by.

Nothing like a clean break and at least it didn't go on long.

Many thanks again to those on here