As I get older I realize this list is only going to get longer but I think this would be good to share for those inquisitive and proactive enough to search for this type of information on their own before or just as they turn adults. Heck, even if you’re way into your adult years, it’s never too late to learn these skills.
I wished I had researched this earlier in my life but I definitely took it for granted thinking that college would teach me these skills. That’s a laugh. Nope, they won’t teach you. You’re going to have to teach yourselves these skills but don’t worry, fortunately you have the internet and you can find how to do all these things with a simple search.
My recommendation is to learn these skills as you need it because it makes learning and retaining the information easier. This is just a list to keep on your radar so that you aren’t completely blindsided by life when it happens. Although, hard skills like personal finance, taxes, cooking, laundry, car maintenance, and insurance are good things to start now if not early, if applicable, as it is something all adults will need to learn if surviving on your own.
The soft skills are items that I view as up-leveling your life. Not completely necessary, but it gives you the extra boost of confidence to enhance your level of life. You can learn these later but the earlier you learn them, the more beneficial it may be for you. Especially if you’re constantly bouncing around the workforce, the art of salary negotiation would be helpful.
Hard Skills
- Personal Finance (includes credit cards, paying bills, budgeting, investing, and retirement)
- Car maintenance (if you will own a car)
- Taxes (you’ll need to do them every year)
- Independent life long education (you’ll keep learning long after school so don’t stop)
- Maintain and build connections (personal and professional) as it becomes harder as an adult
- Learn the art of small talk and meaningful conversation
- Maintain your health and stay active (it’s easy to lose all that once you live the cube life)
- Basic home repairs (Youtube can be a big help)
- The art of cooking on a budget
- How to mail
- How to vote
- Doing your laundry
- How to write a resume and cover letter
- How to interview for a job
- Work Benefits (what they are and what’s considered normal)Insurance
- Healthcare and self care
- Basic sewing
- Emergency preparedness
- Basic first aid
- How to make a major purchase (car or home)
- How to use coupons
Soft Skills
- Learn the right mindset
- Learn from your mistakes and be sympathetic to others and their mistakes
- Maintaining your environment and house keeping skills
- Time management
- Stress management
- Negotiation skills
- Basic self defense
- Identify your priorities and values of what really makes you happy
- Accept compliments and criticism
- Identify toxic people and relationships and how to end them
- Learn to be authentic to yourself and find people who accept you for who you really are
If you don’t know already, no one knows what they are doing. Everyone, especially adults are good at looking like they do. Everyone is flawed and learning. Just know that if you’re still alive, content, and capable, then you’re doing great! Keep moving on to the next thing, small, big, or whatever the size, just keep up the momentum.
What do you think of the lists? Have you learned any or all of the skills mentioned above? I’ll admit, I have not. Are there skills I haven’t included? Be sure to share them in the comments below for everyone! I’d also love to see them!
Hi Aisa,
Love the two lists! I have been thinking of many of these skills that you mention here. As someone in their mid-20s, there is so much to learn.
Thanks for your comment Kriti! Yes! I feel like we will never stop learning. I hope this list helps you in the future! 😀
Great lists!
It is so important to be armed with the right tools in life. Teaching our kids how to develop those skills certainly is an advantage.
Right?! Thank you! Yes I hope that this list helps the next generation or even the current generation! Lol