Braving adulthood is a fun experience, but it’s a journey full of twists and turns that no one told you about. The next thing you know, you’re managing finances and thinking about getting insurance plan options and realize no one — not even school —- taught you how to navigate these “adulting” responsibilities! Read on 15 Life Skills You Need, but No One Teaches You.
Explore some of the many skills many people wish to learn in school before diving into adulthood.
15 Life Skills You Need, but No One Teaches You
1. Cooking
Not everyone inherited cooking skills from their parents — maybe they weren’t big chefs or you never joined them in the kitchen. Perhaps it’s only in adulthood you realize that cooking is a life skill. If you frequently reach out for low-effort dishes or reheating leftovers, maybe it’s high time to grab a cookbook or watch your favorite food channel and learn how to put a decent meal together.
2. Sewing
Remember your favorite blouse you threw away because of a lost button? Imagine what difference it would make if you only knew how to sew. The simple acts of hemming a pair of pants, replacing a button or repairing a torn seam can extend the life of your clothes and save you money.
3. Doing Simple Home Repairs
Installing a ceiling fan, replacing an old light bulb and fixing a leaky faucet are some things many people wish to learn before stepping into adulthood. Having basic knowledge about home repairs you can tackle yourself will help you save money in the long run. Think about the satisfaction you can get if you fix a toilet flush or patch that hole in your drywall!
4. Paying Bills
All too often, no one sat down with you to talk about paying bills, even if it only takes half an hour to learn it! It’s essential to familiarize yourself with different bill-paying methods, such as paying by card over the phone, writing a check, making a deposit or paying online.
5. Performing Basic First Aid
Giving appropriate first aid can save lives. It helps you treat injuries and accidents that don’t require a trip to the hospital or provide care until professionals arrive on the scene. Most importantly, it can help you remain calm in emergencies and build your confidence to care for yourself and others.
6. Doing Basic Car Maintenance
Changing a flat tire, jumpstarting your car and checking tire pressure are some car maintenance skills every adult driver should know. Acquiring basic mechanical know-how can save you money, build confidence and protect you in an emergency.
7. Doing Laundry
Laundry may seem like a straightforward task — put clothes and detergent in the machine and run it. However, many people don’t realize that their laundry habits may be damaging their clothes over time. Did you know you can add vinegar to brighten your white garments and minimize odors? Baking soda and dish soap can also be used to remove stains before washing. With tricks like these, you can extend the lifespan of your clothes, rather than throwing them out when they get stained or discolored.
8. Budgeting
Budgeting is one of the most overwhelming aspects of adulting. Managing debt, building a savings account and organizing financial goals can be difficult to manage, especially if you’re just starting to organize your finances.
9. Creating a Morning Routine
Creating and committing to a morning routine gives you more control over the day. Think about what you do in the morning, afternoon and before bed. You will see patterns, like taking a shower after walking your dog outside. Sticking to a routine makes living every day more intentional.
10. Eating Healthily
Over 80% of Americans’ diets lack fruits, vegetables and dairy. Starting a healthy diet is easy, but sticking to it might be challenging. If you want to start keeping a well-balanced diet, take small steps. Cut down on fast food or skip the drive-thru to work.
11. Setting Goals
Schools may teach people technical knowledge but often just a little about goal setting. As you navigate life, you’ll need goals to achieve where you want to be and act on them. Achieving goals can bring you satisfaction and motivation to keep moving forward and seeking new opportunities in life.
12. Using Social Media the Right Way
Think about the last time you scrolled through social media only to realize you spent two hours mindlessly watching videos. Navigating the digital world and avoiding its pitfalls, like identity theft and phishing, is crucial in today’s connected society.
13. Networking
Networking strategically is another thing most adults wish they had learned at school. Building a network helps build existing relationships, foster new ones and opens doors to exciting opportunities to advance in your career. It can take many forms, such as attending seminars, participating in online communities and seeking mentorship.
14. Picking an Insurance Plan
Insurance plans can be challenging to understand because they’re teeming with jargon. Not having a clear understanding of what you’re signing up for can be frustrating, especially when you’re spending money on it. For insurance matters, it’s essential to research carefully or talk with a trusted financial advisor.
15. Preparing for Retirement
School and parents taught their kids to go to school, study hard and graduate so they can get stable jobs and live a good life. But what about securing a promising future for themselves? It’s so easy to picture your life after your working years, but the steps to take there can be confusing, especially for an adult who didn’t learn how to do it.
Your Next Step
The good news is that it’s never too late to learn these skills! That’s the beauty of being an adult — you can experience the beauty of adult life and learn new knowledge!
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