Blossoming from a teen to an adult can be a challenge. Whether you’re fresh out of school and heading into your first job or you’re about to finish university, making the transition into adulthood can be a little daunting. With all this newfound freedom comes a lot of new responsibilities. Navigating a range of situations successfully involves developing certain skills. Here are five life skills needed as adults so that you can handle what comes your way, often without any warning.
1. Financial skills
Not only will you have to start budgeting how much you spend monthly, but you’ll also want to start planning your financial future too. This could include anything from savings and investments to mortgages and even pensions.
You may think it’s far too soon to be thinking of your retirement. But, trust me when I say it’s never too early to start saving for it!
If you’re not confident in the world of finances, many of the traditional banks offer appointments and there are a number of resources online.
2. Health and safety skills
Another set of skills you’ll want to develop are those around first aid and general health and safety. For example, do you know how to clean a wound properly if you injure yourself at home?
What about if you burn yourself? Or, what if you need to make a claim after an accident?
Simple first aid skills are ones you can learn in very little time, and it is worth investing in a first aid kit to keep at home for any minor injuries if they happen. If you get injured in a more serious accident, it’s important to know about your rights to claim compensation. If this happens, you’ll want to speak to a specialist company who may even take on your case on a no win no fee basis.
3. Legal skills needed in life
This doesn’t have to be anything too in-depth, but it’s important you know your basic rights, including when you have the right to vote. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can vote at the age of 18, and in Scotland, you can vote in Scottish elections at 16 and any others at 18.
It’s important to make your vote count and to have your say, as this can affect your future. In Canada, you can vote at age 18, and it’s the same for the United States.
4. Domestic skills
If you’re moving or have moved out, you’ll need to develop some skills around the home, and fast. Otherwise, you risk having to call out a professional each time something goes awry, and that can get expensive.
Then, there’s the cleaning aspect of the house. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that your parents will want to do your washing forever or want to come around to vacuum for you weekly!
Why not throw yourself in the deep end and experiment with different dishes and cuisines? Now is as good of a time as ever to cook that meal you’ve been wanting to try!
5. Digital skills needed as adults for life
Growing up today, you’re likely to already possess several digital skills. It’s still important to keep learning, though. Do you know how to set up the Wi-Fi in your new home for example, or plug in the aerial cable to the TV?
Whether you enlist the help of your loved ones or friends or speak to a specialist, make sure you watch and observe. You may learn a thing or two!
You are correct, Christy. These are all skills that adults should know. Learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Never too late to be reminded of this. And never too late to learn.