u/Fun_Associate1223

Even though I (22F) successfully completed a university bridging course, pursuing a degree is not the right choice for me in terms of time commitment, finances (during and after taking out loans), and the likelihood of employment.

Community Services IV

Why this certificate fits me:

• I participated in workplace learning every Friday during my 11th and 12th grades in high school.

• Immediately after high school, I worked as a creche worker for a community service that provided free education and support to parents facing hardships, while I cared for their children at no cost. I held this position from September 2021 to September 2024.

• In 2025, I successfully completed my university bridging course, which included units in criminology and digital media, as well as HASS and the arts.

• Since late 2022, I have been working as a wine salesperson on Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes on Sundays and public holidays. This role is relevant as it requires strong communication skills and the ability to maintain composure.

• It’s a free course, although there may be expenses related to resources; the course itself does not have a fee.

Why it could be a misfit:

• While I am emotionally resilient regarding distressing topics, working on the frontlines dealing with these issues can be much more challenging.

• I haven't personally experienced the hardships that those I would be helping have faced, which may make it difficult for me to relate to their situations.

• Although I will be trained to handle various scenarios, there is a possibility of encountering violent individuals.

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Animal Care Services III

Why this certificate fits me:

• I have always had a love and care for animals.

• I possess a gentle and kind demeanor.

• I know effective techniques for giving a cat a tablet.

• I make an effort to observe an animal's body language. For example, when a horse's ears are back, a dog's tail is tucked between its legs, or a cat is loafing.

• I once taught a Jack Russell to balance on a skateboard using treats and a calm voice.

• After completing this course, I will have the opportunity to pursue a Certificate IV in Vet Nursing.

• I am committed to finding solutions and ideas to provide the best care and accommodations for animals.

Why it could be a misfit:

• I lack professional experience working with animals.

• Even though I will receive training, animals can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially in stressful situations.

• The thought of animals being euthanized is very sad, even if it is for their own betterment.

Original Title: I'm not sure how to approach the situation about my colleague asking inappropriate questions.

Originally posted by u/After_Quarter3267 in r/TwoHotTakes

Trigger Warnings: >!Workplace harassment, mentions of serial sexual assault (SA)!<

Mood Spoiler: >!Disturbing, anxious, and frustrating, but ultimately ends with safety and closure.!<

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Original Post - August 26, 2024

Original Title: I'm not sure how to approach the situation about my colleague asking inappropriate questions.

I (20F) work at a market stall as a wine saleswoman on the weekends. I’ve been working there for a few months over a year. I always do my best to be friendly to stall holders and the staff that setup and maintain the market. To be friendly to the staff, I greet them, give them discounts on my wines and sometimes have causal conversations.

Recently a work colleague Steve (between 40-50M) who setups and maintains the markets is recently asking suspicious questions. In the past we had friendly and causal conversations for example, about pets and movies. Now he’s asking questions like: “Have you been going to the gym it looks like you’ve lost weight.” And, “Have you been going on dates?” My gut is telling me that I need to do something because this isn’t friendly and is creepy. I want to know what precautions to take to keep myself safe. I’m not sure what type of evidence to collect or anything and also he’s authorised to look the security cameras.

I’m not sure what I did that could lead him on, besides from me just being friendly. I havent told anyone because I don’t want to get Steve in trouble if he had no ill intentions or get myself in trouble.

What should I do?

Thanks for reading.

First Update - May 12, 2026

Original Title: *UPDATE-I'm not sure how to approach the situation about my colleague asking inappropriate questions. (TW: SA) *

(Trigger Warning: >!SA!<)

I (now 22 F) previously posted about inappropriate questions asked by a work colleague Steve. After that post, he made a statement saying, “I'm learning chiropractic and want to try it on you.” Also, he was a handyman at the markets.

Here’s the distressing news I just found out today he was a convicted serial >!SAer!< who spent 10 years in jail and was released in 2021, I started working late 2022. He pleaded guilty to 31 different offences. Such as, Aggravated >!sexual penetration without consent!<, deprivation of liberty, armed robbery and fraud. The worst part is that the owner of the markets knew. The market is supposed to be a family-friendly tourism place. When the tenants found out and confronted him the owner came to his defence threatening to evict them from their stall. The good news is that he has quit his job.

From your advice after the post, I was more blunt and less friendly than I would be towards other colleagues. I also told my dad (the owner of the wine stall), who told me not to worry about it. I didn't report and glad I didn't now knowing the owner wouldn't help me at all. The thing is as soon as I found out I told Dad about it and turns out he knew and didn't want me to worry. I’m upset because I should’ve known. But recently he had two major operations this month and is not doing so well at the moment.

I feel scared, yet vindicated. I got worried I was overanalysing the comments/questions from Steve or wondering if the reason was me being too friendly. Turns out it's because he was being a predator.

I’m glad he is not working, but will be anxious of the possibility of meeting him again.

Thank you for reading and your support. Please ask if I left anything out.

Also if Two Hot Takes wants to use this story I don't mind.

Second Update - May 15, 2026

Original Title: *UPDATE : 2- I'm not sure how to approach the situation about my colleague asking inappropriate questions. (TW: SA) *

(Trigger Warning: >!SA!<)

Thank you so much for your advice and for taking the time to read and respond.

I (22F) asked the market manager and another handyman some questions, like whether any other tenants had reported him saying inappropriate things to them, and they said no. The manager pointed out that I should have reported it to her, she would have told Steve not to do that, as she deals with sexual harassment among tenants all the time. She did make an example of a woman reporting that a man asked if she was cold wearing shorts and made him apologise but the manager told me in a tone that insisted the woman reporting was overreacting. She said that Steve was reformed, meaning he was allowed to be among the public.

To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t report it because the very reason I didn’t was that I didn’t want any attention drawn to me, I didn’t feel comfortable with the tone she was using on me and also Steve wasn’t just some other tenant he was the handyman one of his jobs was providing security. The other handyman I’ll call Bob was good though and talked to me in a kind tone, he also banned a creepy old customer a while back. From the response, I made a folio on our interactions as detailed as possible to help me remember and communicate.

I forgot to mention this in the last post. One of the main reasons I was terrified about Steve, was because he wrote >!sexualising and objectifying notes about his targets and victims!<, according to news articles. I was scared he was targeting me with similar intentions from the comments and questions he made towards me.

After work, I went to the police station to make a report on the sexual harassment at work. I asked my mum to accompany me for emotional support as I was anxious. The police officer did a great job of telling me what I can do. He told me to get an app that I can provide/report intel for offices to any crimes or suspicious activity. He gave me instructions that if I come across Steve again I should firmly tell him that I’m not going to engage in a conversation and if he persists I can obtain a restraining order. Also, I got pepper spray only if I need to. Even though everything is still fresh and I still feel startled I have closure. Because his reputation is destroyed, I don’t think I will see him around again, hopefully.

Right now, can you please give me advice on how I can move on and process this week?

### OOP's story has concluded.

The room is nice and quiet, with a colour-shifting bubble lamp, a touchwall, and a comfy chair. It's nice that the hospital is accommodating those with sensory needs.

P.S. Child and adult emergency departments are separated.