#Workplace Learning

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Indispensable Lessons I Learned from Working in Retail

Shaina Tranquilino

February 4, 2024

Transitioning from full-time retail work to a career as an educational assistant at a school was undoubtedly a significant change for me. However, even with my reduced hours in retail, I quickly realized that the valuable lessons learned during my years of working in customer service continue to shape and enhance my professional growth. In this blog post, I will delve into how my background in retail has proven to be an invaluable asset in my current role and beyond.

1. Effective Communication Skills:

One of the key takeaways from my retail experience is the ability to communicate effectively. Whether it's interacting with customers or collaborating with colleagues, strong communication skills are crucial. My time in retail taught me how to listen actively, empathize with others' concerns, and express myself clearly and concisely – all traits that have been invaluable when assisting students with their unique needs and facilitating effective teamwork among educators.

2. Adaptability and Resilience:

Working in retail often meant dealing with unpredictable situations and challenging customers. This environment forced me to learn how to adapt swiftly while maintaining composure under pressure. These skills have proved essential when faced with unexpected situations within the school setting, such as handling emergencies or adapting lesson plans on short notice. The resilience developed through countless encounters with demanding customers has helped me remain calm and focused during high-stress moments.

3. Customer Service Excellence:

Customer service lies at the heart of any successful business, including schools, where parents and students are our valued "customers." My previous retail experience ingrained in me the importance of providing exceptional service by going above and beyond expectations. This mindset now translates into ensuring that every interaction I have within the school community is characterized by attentiveness, understanding, and dedication.

4. Problem-solving Abilities:

Retail work constantly presents challenges that require creative problem-solving skills. From resolving conflicts between customers to finding alternative solutions when faced with product shortages, I honed my ability to think on my feet and find practical resolutions. These problem-solving skills are transferable to my role as an educational assistant and other areas of my life, where I encounter various obstacles daily, such as addressing behavioral issues or adapting teaching approaches to accommodate diverse learners.

5. Time Management:

One of the most valuable lessons from working in retail is understanding how vital efficient time management is. Balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines is a skill developed through years of organizing inventory, handling customer requests promptly, and managing shifts effectively. This proficiency has proven invaluable in juggling the demands of both my school job and part-time retail position without compromising quality or effectiveness in either.

While transitioning from full-time retail work to a career in education was a significant shift for me, it's clear that the experiences gained during my time in retail continue to shape and enhance my professional growth today. From effective communication skills to adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities, the lessons learned have seamlessly integrated into my educational assistant role, providing me with a unique perspective and a well-rounded skill set. Embracing these learnings has not only enriched my interactions with students but also empowered me to excel in various aspects of life beyond the workplace.

[yashaswigroup]

CONTINUOUS LEARNING: A KEY TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT 

The job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation are reshaping industries, making traditional skills obsolete while increasing demand for new expertise. Employers today value more than just degrees; they prioritize adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn. Whether you aim to rise within your current job, transition to a new field, or launch your own business, committing to learning is key to achieving lasting success. By investing in up skill development, professionals can confidently navigate these shifts and remain competitive in their industry.

Benefits of Continuous Learning:

With rising competition across industries, staying Competitive in the Job Market is necessary. Employers today are on the search for team members who can adapt to new technologies and demanding working trends. Continuous knowledge enhancement includes mastering new software, acquiring language skills, or developing industry-relevant expertise. Not only does this strengthen your resume, but it also broadens your career prospects.

Continuous learning surpasses technical skills; it's about critically evaluating and enhancing creative thinking abilities. When a person is exposed to new ideas, they develop different viewpoints and start to evaluate challenges more proficiently. These skills are relevant across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, engineering, etc. A professional who embraces learning brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, making them an asset in any organization.

Professionals who invest time in up skilling and reskilling often get rewarded for their efforts and have better career growth opportunities. The individuals who constantly enhance their knowledge are often entrusted with greater responsibility and are considered for senior-level positions. By learning the relevant skills in the market, one not only showcases their professional growth but also their personal growth. For those looking to take control of their careers, skill development programmes provide valuable insights into developing and managing a successful business.

Embracing Continuous Learning: Practical Approaches:

The rise of e-learning platforms, including Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn, and Internshala, offers a wide range of online courses and certifications across various fields. The courses allow one to learn at one's own pace. Earning a certification in skills like data analytics, project management, digital marketing, cyber security, UX designing, etc., can significantly enhance your career opportunities.

Simultaneously, attending workshops and industry seminars can assist you in gaining practical knowledge and provide beneficial networking opportunities. Engaging with experts and fellow professionals allows you to share insights and stay informed about the latest industry trends.

Reading books, blogs, articles, and reportscan keep you updated on the emerging industry trends and best practices within your field. Regular reading will not only make you an expert in your field but will also sharpen your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Lastly, learning from seasoned professionals can provide invaluable guidance that accelerates your growth. A mentor can share their experiences, offer insights, and help you navigate various challenges. Additionally, actively seeking feedback from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors can help you pinpoint areas for improvement and foster your professional development.

Inference

In today’s fast-changing job market, continuous learning isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for long-term success. Whether you aim for career advancement, job security, or entrepreneurship, staying committed to lifelong learning ensures long-term success. Investing in an up-skilling program can open doors to new opportunities and greater professional fulfilment. By embracing learning as an on-going journey, you can future-proof your career and achieve sustained growth. Connect with Yashaswi Group today and take the next step towards a successful career! Invest in yourself with skill-building programs those open doors to new opportunities. Don’t wait! Start your journey towards growth, confidence, and lasting career success.

[amansalve]

How HR Can Leverage Financial Literacy to Improve Workplace Culture

Human resources (HR) professionals have an increasing role to play in the overall financial health of an organization. However, there is a significant gap in financial literacy within many HR departments. This gap can impede effective decision-making, strategic planning, and the ability to foster financial wellness among employees. Bridging HR’s financial literacy gap is crucial not only for the department's efficiency but also for the success of the broader business.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Financial Literacy Gap in HR

The Importance of Financial Literacy for HR Professionals

How HR Can Foster Financial Literacy

Strategies for Bridging the Gap in Financial Literacy

Conclusion

1. Understanding the Financial Literacy Gap in HR

The financial literacy gap in HR is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed. Many HR professionals, while adept at managing employee benefits, talent acquisition, and other vital HR functions, may not fully understand the financial implications of their decisions. This lack of understanding can affect areas like budgeting for employee benefits, interpreting compensation packages, or making informed decisions about pension plans and insurance options.

2. The Importance of Financial Literacy for HR Professionals

Financial literacy is essential for HR professionals to align employee compensation and benefits strategies with the financial goals of the organization. A deeper understanding of financial concepts enables HR to better support organizational strategies, optimize resource allocation, and offer more valuable guidance to employees. Furthermore, HR’s ability to foster financial wellness programs will directly impact employee satisfaction and retention.

3. How HR Can Foster Financial Literacy

HR departments can take several steps to increase financial literacy within their teams. First, offering training programs on financial basics like budgeting, saving, and investing can empower HR professionals to make informed decisions. Additionally, incorporating financial literacy as a part of employee development can help teams align their financial knowledge with the company’s overall goals.

Encouraging collaboration with finance teams is another valuable approach. By working closely with finance departments, HR professionals can gain a deeper understanding of financial data and projections, enabling them to make better decisions for both employees and the business.

4. Strategies for Bridging the Gap in Financial Literacy

To effectively bridge the financial literacy gap, HR departments should focus on comprehensive strategies:

Training and Development: Offer ongoing workshops and courses focused on financial literacy.

Collaborate with Finance Teams: Create cross-department teams that work together on financial decision-making processes.

Leverage Technology: Use HR software that integrates financial data to help HR teams better understand the financial health of the company.

Employee Financial Wellness Programs: Launch initiatives that improve employees’ financial knowledge, contributing to overall workplace well-being.

By implementing these strategies, HR can enhance their financial decision-making abilities and empower employees to take control of their financial future.

For More Info: https://hrtechcube.com/hrs-financial-literacy/

Conclusion

Bridging HR’s financial literacy gap is vital for both the department and the organization as a whole. By improving financial understanding within HR teams, businesses can make more strategic decisions that align with long-term goals. Investing in training, fostering collaboration with finance departments, and prioritizing employee financial wellness programs are effective ways to ensure HR teams are equipped with the financial knowledge needed for success.

[colinwilson11]

Australia Training: Australia Investing In Skilled Workforce Through Innovative Training Programs

Vocational education and training plays a critical role in Australia by helping develop job-ready skilled workers. Various government-supported vocational training programs are actively working to address skills shortages across many in-demand industries. Through these programs, thousands of young Australians and career changers are gaining hands-on experience in fields like construction, aged care, early childhood education, and health services each year. The programs combine classroom learning with structured work placements, giving participants real-world job skills. For employers, these programs provide a pipeline of qualified applicants to fill open roles. Both individuals and businesses benefit from increased employment opportunities and a more productive economy.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships Equipping Australia Training  Australia's apprenticeship and traineeship system is one of the largest and most effective job training schemes. Each year over 300,000 new apprentices and trainees enroll to learn vital occupations skills while earning an income. These paid positions allow young people to "earn as they learn" through a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job classes or other training provided by Registered Training Organizations. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years for traditional trades like carpentry, plumbing, and mechanics while traineeships often take 6-24 months to complete for roles in business, retail, community services and more. For young Australians seeking a hands-on career path, apprenticeships and traineeships open doors to stable, lifelong careers in high-demand sectors.

Higher Education Partnerships Driving Innovation

-Led Centers Equipping Learners For Digital Future

Recognizing emerging skills shortfalls in cybersecurity, data analytics, and related digital disciplines, Australian governments are establishing national training hubs focused on these high-tech domains. Led by experts, centers at the newly designated "Jobs and Skills Exchange" campuses immerse students in collaborative project work tackling priorities within each sector. For instance, Queensland’s Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct co-locates Gold Coast TAFE with Griffith University’s medical research facilities and public and private hospitals. Here learners gain hands-on experience applying technologies like AI, robotics and 3D printing to fields from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. The precinct model promotes multi-sector partnerships that continually refine curricula to evolve with needs. Learners exit with in-demand qualifications and having built professional networks primed to translate directly into careers.

Workplace Training Boosting Careers Of Mid-Career Workers

With Australia’s aging population driving strong demand for specialist skills in areas like aged and disability care, health services and social assistance, governments are investing in retraining existing workers as well as school-leavers. Flexible vocational courses delivered through registered training organizations, community providers, and directly in the workplace empower mid-career Australians to reskill and diversify. Models like skill sets - short, focused qualifications that can be started and completed incrementally - make training more accessible for mature workers juggling jobs and families. Employers also partner TAFEs to ‘upskill’ current employees such as by offering subsidized courses during work hours. This training benefits businesses through increased productivity while supporting individuals to progress in their professions or transition to new roles with livable wages.

Elearning Expands Access To Quality Training Nationwide

Australia’s geographical spread poses access challenges for vocational learners in remote areas. However, eLearning innovations are overcoming barriers through blended and online models. Programs combine online theoretical components with practical assessments conducted face-to-face by qualified trainers either locally or during campus visits. Learners benefit from flexibility to study anytime while still receiving support. By using interactive tools like virtual and augmented reality simulations, instructors can recreate real work environments to give remote and rural trainees -standard training experiences. Online vocational training also benefits individuals unable to attend regular classes due to disability, caring responsibilities, or part-time work. Overall, these digitally-enhanced learning options are opening vocational qualifications to more Australians regardless of location while maintaining high educational quality.

Through ongoing innovation and collaboration across education, and government, Australia's vocational training system is equipping the nation with a highly-skilled workforce ready to fill jobs now and into the future. Targeted programs are helping address skills gaps in priority sectors from construction to healthcare to technology. Whether through traditional apprenticeships, specialized university partnerships or flexible eLearning models, individuals across all stages of career find pathways to careers in high-demand fields. With a focus on applied, work-integrated study, Australia’s “earn and learn” approach continues transforming lives through vocational education and contributing to sustainable economic growth nationwide.

Get more insights on this topic:  https://www.pressreleasebulletin.com/australia-training-unlocking-various-career-opportunities-through-skill-development/

Author Bio:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163 )

*Note: 1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

[transformativework]

The Ultimate Guide to Workplace Learning Strategies

In today’s dynamic business environment, companies must continuously adapt to remain competitive. One of the key strategies for achieving this is fostering a culture of workplace learning. At Transformative Workplace Investigations, we recognize that a well-informed and skilled workforce is pivotal to an organization’s success. Workplace Learning is not merely an employee benefit; it is a strategic asset that drives innovation, productivity, and resilience.

Understanding Workplace Learning

Workplace learning encompasses a range of activities designed to improve employees’ knowledge, skills, and competencies. It includes formal training programs, on-the-job training, mentorship, e-learning, and self-directed learning initiatives. The primary goal is to enhance employees' capabilities, making them more effective in our roles and preparing them for future challenges.

Why Workplace Learning Matters

Enhancing Employee Performance: Continuous learning helps employees stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. This knowledge directly translates into improved job performance and productivity.

Fostering Innovation: A learning-oriented environment encourages employees to think creatively and develop new solutions. At Transformative Workplace Investigations, we have seen firsthand how empowered employees can drive innovation within the company.

Employee Engagement and Retention: Providing learning opportunities shows employees that our growth and development are valued. This fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment, reducing turnover rates.

Adaptability and Resilience: In an ever-changing business landscape, the ability to quickly adapt is crucial. A culture of continuous learning equips employees with the skills needed to navigate change effectively.

Implementing Effective Workplace Learning Strategies

At Transformative Workplace Investigations, we have developed a robust framework for workplace learning that other organizations can emulate.

Assess Learning Needs: Conducting a thorough assessment of the skills and knowledge gaps within the organization is the first step. This helps in designing targeted learning programs that address specific needs.

Leverage Technology: E-learning platforms and online resources make learning accessible and flexible. Employees can learn at our own pace and convenience, making it easier to balance work and training.

Encourage Collaboration: Peer-to-peer learning, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects are effective ways to foster a learning culture. We also promote teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Provide Continuous Feedback: Constructive feedback helps employees understand our progress and areas for improvement. Regular performance reviews and check-ins can guide employees on our learning journey.

Invest in Professional Development: Supporting employees’ attendance at conferences, workshops, and professional courses can significantly enhance our expertise and bring new insights into the organization.

The Impact of Workplace Learning on Investigations

In the realm of workplace investigations, the importance of learning cannot be overstated. Investigators need to be well-versed in the latest regulatory requirements, investigative techniques, and ethical standards. Continuous learning ensures that investigators at Transformative Workplace Investigations remain at the forefront of our field, providing the highest level of service to our clients.

Furthermore, educating employees about our rights and responsibilities can prevent workplace issues from arising. Training programs on topics such as workplace ethics, anti-harassment policies, and conflict resolution can create a more harmonious and compliant work environment.

Conclusion

Workplace learning is a vital component of a thriving organization. At Transformative Workplace Investigations, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning. By investing in our employees’ development, we not only enhance our individual capabilities but also drive the overall success of our business. Embracing workplace learning is not just a strategic advantage; it is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and engaged workforce.

[the-wormwormworm]

Workplace Learning

Workplace Learning #FOANed #Nurseeducator #nursing #workplacelearning

Looking into the perspectives of education, training and lifelong learning in the workplace are important aspects for those interested in education. It is also advisable to look outside healthcare for a lens into the sociology of work. Some key terms for workplace learning: formal learning informal informal hierarchy power culture teamwork mentorship role modelling community of…

[tebsolutions]

Unlock Employee Potential with Microsoft Viva Learning

Elevate your workforce's capabilities with Microsoft Viva Learning, a cutting-edge Employee Experience Platform (EXPs). Empower your teams, foster collaboration, and boost productivity. Discover a transformative learning experience that adapts to your organization's unique needs, ensuring continual growth. Ready to revolutionize your employee experience? Dive into the future of workplace learning at TotalEBiz Solutions.

[educationhubtexas]

Explore the world of employee education programs and their pivotal role in enhancing your workforce's knowledge and skills. Empower your team with ongoing learning opportunities.

[rocketbirdie]

listen i am obsessed with this single line of dialogue. it's a Final Fantasy game full of people named crazy shit like GENESIS RHAPSODOS and WEISS THE IMMACULATE and then there's this dude. some random ass guy from the in-game lore equivalent of rural Louisiana whose name may as well be Jim.

And Jim Has Seen It All. he fell 300 meters and crashed through the roof of a church and he walked it off like it was nothing. he's seen his mentor grow one single wing and take to the skies majestically like an albatross. he survived when an alien brain fungus consumed his coworker's consciousness spurring the guy to commit arson and a small genocide. fresh outta high school he's abducted by scientists and trapped in a large petri dish for four years. he escapes and then singlehandedly mows down an entire goddamn army of hundreds of troopers and gets shot like at least twenty times. he tears a metal tree out of the ground and chucks it at a helicopter like a toy shovel, acting cool about it. "ugh mondays am i right? haha"

the rapture is coming. the sky has ripped open like a wrestler's t-shirt and everyone is mourning their impending doom and Jim is just like "it'll be fine lol" but then SEPHIROTH arrives and shoves him into a wormhole. he wanders the empty backstage of reality, and only then does he start to slightly freak out just a tiny bit. no problem. hop in hop out, quick boss battle against the brain fungus coworker, easy peasy. he gets savewarped to another universe, kinda annoying but he can deal, he thinks.

But now there's a fucking meteor crashing down on top of him. And finally, finally— Jim cracks. He can't handle this. What the actual fuck is my life, he finally wonders. "What the hell is going on!?" he finally asks.

[nothorses]

the quietest I have ever seen a group of kids is when I took a large group of chaotic, high-energy 7th graders who were previously running screaming around a dark parking lot hucking glow sticks at each other and gathered them around a campfire for another teacher to read a picture book to them, and explained that the story, the storyteller, and the story-listeners were all a part of the storytelling.

usually I hear (and have tried!) questions like "how can we be respectful of the storyteller?" or "how can we be a good audience?", which usually get the same responses: sit down & shut up. can't imagine why that's not super compelling to a kid!

but taking a moment to frame it as if the story is kind of alive, and the storyteller is bringing it in, and they, as listeners, are helping in that process... suddenly they got it.

it wasn't just "sit down and shut up", it was about how they can engage with the story while it's told: thinking about questions they can ask, connections to their own lives, how they feel about different parts, how the story is changing them, and what they're thinking about or imagining as they hear it.

and it was about how that's part of the story itself! it's important work, receiving a story. it's crucial, and it's active.

I just think about that a lot.

[myquietsafehaven]

Possibly an unpopular take but here it is.

If I was in Jon’s position I’d be a bitch to Martin season one too.

Dude comes in with more credentials, years of experience, and was picked specifically by my boss who I respect. Then proceeds to show none of the skills he is expected to have and in fact seems to be the least competent of everyone in the Archives.

I would 100% believe he was fucking up on purpose and respond accordingly.

Like maybe it’s the autism and imposter syndrome combo that I embody but Hanlon’s Razor is hard to prescribe in such a circumstance.

Also I prefer Grey’s Law: Any sufficiently advanced incompetence is indistinguishable from malice.

So yeah I’m a firm believer in the ‘Jon was a bitch in season one but you know what fair,’ stance.

[marvelsmostwanted]

January 16, 2025:

January 29 & February 4, 2025:

January 31 & February 4, 2025:

Hmmmm

[salpho]

We need to talk about what happened with Mike D.

For those who don't know, Mike D, co-creator of Bendy, has stated that Thomas Connor is a white man. He's done this before with Norman Polk, too. Because of this, drama has arose which led him to make his account private, and shortly after, deleted.

This thread on Twitter gives details of what happened, screenshots provided for those who can't view it below-

I must state as a disclaimer that no matter what he's like, past or present, we should not seriously be wishing death on him. The person who said they wished death on him has since retracted their statement, as said and shown in the thread above.

The two characters, Thomas and Norman, were nearly universally agreed upon to be black men, and have been implied and coded to be black through their voices, their interactions with other characters (especially in the books) and likely many more things I've missed, only to then be revealed to be canonically white.

Mike D has also stated (correct me if wrong) that he believes minorities are forced, unless the character's identity helps the story. Think of Buddy from Dreams Come To Life being Jewish, and how his religion effected his story.

This is erasure. The fact they decanonised the books that show these important interactions, the fact they led us on, being told your identity or race must serve a purpose in fiction, is all erasure. If you are part of a minority and see a character like you have that part of them stripped away or forgotten, it sends the message that people like you must be censored and eradicated, especially knowing how many minorities were treated historically. Being told minorities are forced unless given a greater purpose in storytelling reinforces the idea that being part of any minority is abnormal and thus, wrong.

TheMeatly has recently addressed that the cutouts used in all games post-BATIM had (accidentally) stolen fanart and plans to use a new texture in future games. This is proof that he has improved as Bendy merchandise has used fanarts without permission years ago.

In contrast, I have yet to see Mike D improving on any of his past actions. I really do hope he does, but right now, things do not seem hopeful. He must understand the messages he's spreading, intentional or not, and improve.

EDIT - There are actually some signs regarding his improvement in other areas. When the KindlyBeast team was laid off, he did make an apology post for them, and his "We make stupid games for stupid kids" quote doesn't seem to apply seeing the M ratings newer games are getting. Courtesy to the other Bendy wiki staff to giving me these points.

However, I do think there's still an issue with how he views minorities. Here's to hoping for the best.

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

s2 episode 7 "3" thoughts

hmm. hmm. that is the sound if me pondering what i just watched.

(i understand that this episode was an analysis into mulder's self-destructive behaviors when faced with overwhelming grief, but. that does not mean i enjoyed vampire hookup time)

well. we shall start from the top!

i read that it was an episode about vampires which i thought was a weird narrative choice because. hello. scully still gone??? but then i remembered that i too ignored the main quest in skyrim to hunt some vampires and that i had no place to judge

(granted, my main quest wasn't finding scully though. might have given that a bit more priority than saving the whole world. because she IS my whole world)

we open with a guy that looks like joe biden meeting with an attractive young woman. they're making out in a hot tub and we just know someone is gonna get slurped upon. and woe, it be upon us! double vampire attack.

back in DC, mulder gets his old office back! it's covered in plastic. he takes some of it off. he adjusts his calendar from may to november, so we see how much time he and scully had been assigned to other tasks, which also has me wondering how she managed to get a new house that quick.

(also, this calendar is... scantily clad women posing next to tools such as hammers and saws. was this allowed? was this acceptable? was it normal? were the 90's a lawless wasteland and mulder an irreparable freak?)

well. scully is an x file now, and he puts her glasses and id into an evidence bag and closes the filing cabinet which was sooooo evil. but he can't bring himself to put her necklace away. oh man. oh he's gotta have it in case he finds her. he has to hold her close. i'm Fine this is Fine.

so. he goes out to california to deal with the joe biden looking fellow being murdered. and he is not wanted on the crime scene. we know this because someone greets him by saying "nobody called the bureau" and he says "well, they should have" and lifts up the tape to let himself in. because one thing about him is that he's gonna let himself into a place he isn't wanted.

he sees the writing of a bible verse in blood on the wall and says something about their grasp of biblical knowledge being "feeble and literal" and i was like okayyy need to have a theological discussion with him

he then scares the other guy who originally wanted to kick him out by reciting a LARGE amount of facts related to similar cases and it's very much giving photographic memory. got me thinking, have we ever seen this man forget something? (directions don't count. they're confusing. but everything else sticks in that man's brain)

he just needs one thing: a phone book. which he uses to call a blood bank and ask about a new guy. who must be the vampire who did this!

so he rolls up to the blood bank and i'm over here struggling because i do Not Do Blood, and i knew at this point this was gonna be a tough watch, but i didn't anticipate the non-blood related reasons why this would be true

anyway he's sniffing around the blood bank and he hears some slurping and wouldn't you know, this dude is tearing into a bag of the red stuff like it's a capri sun. somehow he gets him into custody, where the dude refuses to talk because the lights are on, and mulder comes in with a lamp he put a red filter over, because he was prepared for vampire interrogation.

the vampire is going on about how what he did isn't murder because it's not like animals hunting prey is murder which is. not the greatest approach in terms of legal defense. mulder tells the guard that the guy is delusional and it's best to play along, and he believed this to be true... until he, quite literally, burned to a crisp in the sunlight. and died.

he's talking to the coroner and rattling off a bunch of vampire facts and says he didn't believe in vampires which is so funny to me because like. why is that where you draw the line, my friend. not at bigfoot and definitely not at aliens. but man. vampires are just too out there for spooky mulder. until now!

the coroner has a very funny line: "you are really upsetting me... on several levels" which seems to be the general effect fox mulder has on people. and also because i felt the same way about his dumbass actions during this episode.

coroner finds a stamp on the dead body's hand, which seems to come from a nightclub. so naturally our fbi agent ends up there.

you often see posts saying that "(insert character here) should be at the club". i fear that this is not the case for fox mulder, but it's possible that it's his suit and tie that are throwing me off. he just doesn't seem like he belongs there. i ask myself, where should he be instead? perhaps some sort of star wars convention would suit him better. a book signing with some author he likes. idk, an interior decorating festival. not here.

i shall use my verbatim words to walk you through the next scene:

"pause. he's talking to a woman who was looking into a compact without a mirror. so. vampire suspect. and now why are they getting so close together. and getting a drink. okay now they're leaving to a new spot together? AFTER she admits to vampirism"

(here she did some stuff that required me to look away from my screen due to my Weak Constitution. but also it would have felt necessary to look away anyway because it was getting... charged)

she tries to get him to... suck on her finger... but he won't do it because aids. which is fair. i think that's a smart move, actually. it's just that getting flirty with a vampire he knows was involved with a ton of killings was such a stupid move, i don't know why it's now the braincells start to kick in.

that kills the vibe, though, so she gets another guy to take his place and things escalate.

mulder pulls in at a restaurant called ra. nice! the sun god! and he is... through a window, witnessing some more slurping action. he seems to want to intervene and save this poor soul being feasted upon...

but the poor soul is no poor soul at all! he comes out and decks mulder, and delivers this line with stunning conviction: "i don't know who you are, freak, but we're two consenting adults" and with this, he is forced to flee.

and yeah. it made me laugh. my expectations for the genre were subverted. he signed up for that shit! what he did not sign up for, however, was the next part, where he was killed by the other vampires.

cut to investigating the crime scene. mulder has brought along a forensic dentist, which is a job i had no idea you could go into. he needs to see about those bites, which are very human.

next they go to vampire woman's house. it's a very nice place. mulder... opens her oven. and sees a loaf of bread in there. and i'm thinking, man, i hope this doesn't go where i think it's going. baked goods... ovens... i never want a vampire pregnancy arc. but he cracks open the loaf and something red spills out and somehow, this to him means that she is gone and isn't coming back. he can read the signs of the bread. so add that to his resume. what did the bread tell you, my liege?

he seems to have stayed in her house, however, because he's there when she's back, and says he knows she was using the bread as a charm to ward off evil. because apparently that's an eastern european thing, blood bread to warn off evil. sound off if any eastern europeans in the chat wanna confirm or deny.

anyway. he's IN this woman he thinks is a vampire's HOUSE? what the hell. mulder seriously i need you to stop and think. like you should have stopped and done some thinking a while ago. honestly i'm not mad i'm just disappointed. and he's like "i want to save you come with me before they kill you" ohhh big tough man needs to save her huh. make him feel good inside. huh. certainly no ulterior motive here...

she's monologing about her horrible childhood and how sweet blood tastes. um girl. don't lie to him like that. i have busted my lip open before that stuff does NOT taste sweet and dangerous. it's like a penny with rust that you found in a parking lot.

it seems her vampiric origin story, if to be believed, is that things simply got too kinky. which is a new take on the genre.

(it's also about being caught in an abusive relationship and the damage that inflicts, but it seems abusive boyfriend came into vampirism at his kinky parties and things escalated from there. which. well. it blew the eyebrows clean off my head, to be fair)

at this point we see that he is WEARING SCULLY'S NECKLACE? he says something like "it's from someone i lost" and she says that she "hopes he finds her"

i did not like the undertones here and certainly not the overtones. because i knew where this was going. he was shaving in her bathroom. and let me tell you something: there is only ever a shaving scene in media because the writer needs a way to get some blood out of someone's body and into the real world. and man. i knew it was coming.

but what i didn't see coming was her SHAVING HIM??? girl. i am uncomfy. and she does, of course, cut him, and then they kiss. aggressively. terribly aggressively. can anyone answer what was going on in a satisfactory manner?

but the gag is: the original vampire- who burnt to a crisp in the jail cell, and was the abusive ex she spoke of- HE'S WATCHING THEM THROUGH THE WINDOW!

he breaks in and taunts the vampire woman about how he had to "wait for her to finish" and i was like cool. thank you SO much for that mental image i'm super happy with it. i definitely don't feel like i need a shower. but then he's going on about how he can't be killed.

here, at the tail end of the episode, we learn the rules of vampirism in this world: a vampire cannot be killed by a non-vampire. and a non-vampire BECOMES a vampire by consuming the blood of a believer and also taking a life. it is only here we realize that this woman is not an actual vampire yet, she just appropriates their culture by drinking blood unnecessarily.

mulder's still sleeping in her bed and she's like "you need to leave" and she stabs the wall to make her evil ex think she's killing him. but when they go to break out, mulder ties him up quite handily and he gets in the car to escape with vampire woman. until ANOTHER vampire woman jumps on the hood of their car. and main vampire woman knocks her out for a bit by running into her with said car, which is super effective.

mulder's leaving the place in shambles, his shirt still unbuttoned, wandering down the side of the hill. back at the house, now that we know the vampire rules, main vampire woman says she can finally kill the evil vampire ex. and he's like how!! you haven't had the blood of a believer or taken a life. so. she licks the blood off her hands (unclear if it's hers or mulders tbh) and says she'll take her own life. and drops a match after pouring gasoline.

so. that brings that to an end. and shabby looking mulder sits on a hill as he learns all four in the house died.

the episode ends with him playing with scully's necklace. which i don't even sort of feel like unpacking right now but maybe another time.

probably not, though, because i just didn't like this episode. and yeah, a lot of it comes down to me not wanting to see mulder hook up with people who aren't scully. can you blame me? is it so wrong to have preferences in this world?

but also, narrative wise- do you honestly see the guy fucking off to cali while scully's still missing to deal with an unrelated problem instead of devoting every hour of his life to finding her, like we saw him do in the last episode? you expect me to think he just puts it off for a lil while? the guy who, just last episode, pulled his gun on the ski lift operator to get to the top where she might be a little faster, and then choked his one and only suspect out of fury? you're thinking this is the guy that's gonna go soak up some west coast rays?

and yeah, he was obviously not himself through the episode- very cold and analytical- but c'mon. we all want to bang a vampire. he's not special. i just personally wouldn't do that if my friend were gone. like how is that gonna help the situation. be so for real. time and place!

and also the whole only learning the rules of being a vampire about 5 minutes before they need it to be plot relevant. that annoyed me too.

overall, mulder, like i said, i'm not mad, just disappointed.

let me know what you thought on this episode- i try to not be a hater, but i also understand that hating in small doses can be good for the soul. if it's a widely beloathed episode i'll feel better in my judgement as i join a long tradition of haters who have come before me.