Get Total Count returns 0 every time

Hello wix masters!

My get total count function keeps returning 0, even after creating a record. The filter is set as owner is logged in user.
Basically I want to show applicants a custom menu where by the regular buttons are covered and disabled except for one option (so they have to go to a specific section {applicant details} and complete it first).
I used the get total count to show the reduced menu if the applicant details data set is 0 - this works.

Then when an applicant goes in and completes that section and returns back to the account page, it is still showing the reduced menu, which should be hidden and replaced with the full menu (if I can get the code to work).

import { contactInfo } from ‘backend/contactInfo’ ;
import wixUsers from ‘wix-users’ ;
import wixLocation from ‘wix-location’ ;
import wixData from “wix-data” ;

// On ready, search for user role and show appropriate menus
$w.onReady( function () {
let user = wixUsers.currentUser;
let userId = user.id;
contactInfo(userId).then(u => {
if (u.role === ‘applicant’ ) {
$w( “#maApplicantDetails” ).onReady(() => {

let count = $w( “#maApplicantDetails” ).getTotalCount();
if (count === 0 ) {
$w( “#ApplicantAccountMenu” ).hide();
$w( “#ReducedApplicantMenu” ).show();
} else {
$w( “#ReducedApplicantMenu” ).hide();
$w( “#ApplicantAccountMenu” ).show();
}

            console.log(u.role,  "Applicant detected" ) 
                . **catch** (error => { 
                    console.log(error); 
                }) 

        }) 

Probably an easy fix and/or a silly oversight by me but I’m hoping one of the guru’s here will help me out :):)<3

What are you storing your ‘role’ type as?