17 Essential Life Skills Lost on the Under-40 Generation
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For all the technological marvels and digital advancements millennials and Gen Z have at their fingertips, there’s a growing concern that something fundamental is slipping away. A survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Experian Boost revealed that 81% of college graduates wish they had been taught more practical skills before graduating.
As lives become increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven, essential life skills that once formed the bedrock of self-reliance and problem-solving abilities are becoming less common among those under 40.
Reading a Physical Map
In an age of ubiquitous GPS and smartphone navigation, the reliance on paper-based maps is in decline. However, using an old-fashioned map is actually a much better way to develop a sense of place and helps improve problem-solving and spatial awareness.
What’s more, it’s a skill that remains useful in areas of low cell reception or when the technology that currently does it for us goes wrong.
Handwriting
The onset of electronic communications has meant a decline in writing and cursive. While some might think handwriting is archaic, it is an effective medium for personal and professional communication. Good handwriting aids memory retention and provides a special form of self-expression, a lifetime talent to maintain.
Writing a Check
Writing a check has become a lost art in an era of digital payments and online banking. Younger generations are more accustomed to swiping credit cards or using mobile payment apps. Nevertheless, checks are still used for certain transactions, such as paying rent or making donations.
“Besides the odd property tax bill or service person who only takes checks and credit cards, electronic payments can handle everything else,” said Jay Zigmont, Ph.D., CFP and founder of Childfree Wealth. Understanding how to fill out a check properly is a fundamental financial skill everyone should possess.
Manual Transmission Driving
The rise of automatic transmissions means fewer people are learning to drive stick shifts. Edmunds senior analyst Ivan Drury said less than 3% of cars sold in the U.S. come with manual transmissions, reflecting this decline. Fewer people can operate vehicles with stick shifts as automatic transmissions become more prevalent.
However, knowing how to drive a manual car can be beneficial in various situations, such as driving in different countries or handling specific types of vehicles. It’s a skill that adds to one’s versatility and driving proficiency.
Changing a Tire
NBC News reports that 60 percent of people can’t change a flat tire. Gone are the days when changing a tire was a rite of passage for young drivers.
Many now rely on roadside assistance services and the prevalence of run-flat tires, avoiding the need to get their hands dirty. But knowing how to change a tire can be a lifesaver in emergencies, saving time and money. It’s a skill that instills self-reliance and confidence, making it invaluable when you least expect it.
Budgeting
Many people experience financial difficulties because they struggle to save and often spend too much when they have to learn to budget. Budgeting is good for long-term financial success because it teaches you to spend wisely, invest wisely, and save wisely. This skill makes you more financially in charge and provides the foundation for your life.
Filing Taxes
The paperwork for filing taxes is also difficult for young people, who become more dependent on the services of tax preparers. The art of filing taxes is necessary to be self-sufficient and reduce expenses on professional services. It’s an art form that helps you be independent and keeps you on top of your finances.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
DIY clothing alteration and repair skills are on the decline. It is also becoming easier to simply buy new clothes, further encouraging more clothing waste. The World Economic Forum reported that approximately 85% of all textiles go to the dump yearly, highlighting the decline in DIY clothing repairs.
Many people under 40, living in an era dominated by fast fashion, lack the skills to sew on a button or mend a tear. Learning to sew saves money, promotes sustainability, and encourages creativity and self-sufficiency.
Negotiating
Negotiating for pay or merchandise is also waning. Most younger people won’t haggle or negotiate for a better deal. However, negotiation is a life skill that can be useful in many scenarios, enabling people to take up the cause and win more.
Basic Home Repairs
We are becoming increasingly incapable of even basic home repairs. Many people seem prepared to spend $120 or more just to have a plumber clear a blocked drain or $60 or more to fix a leaky faucet.
Knowing how to do these things around your home can save you money. You will also feel more self-sufficient and in control of your living quarters. This is a positive skill. It helps to demystify what might seem like a monumental task and turn it into something far more benign.
Cooking from Scratch
We’ve become dependent on fast food and takeout. Cooking from scratch encourages better eating habits. It gives people control over the quality and quantity of food they consume. It’s an art that allows us to be creative and take food more seriously.
Meal Planning
The ability to plan balanced, cost-effective meals for a week is becoming less common. Strategic meal planning saves time and money while ensuring a balanced diet. It’s a practical skill that simplifies daily life and promotes healthy eating habits.
Gardening
Fewer people know how to grow and maintain their own fruits, vegetables, or plants. Gardening is a relaxing hobby and promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency. It allows individuals to connect with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own food.
Food Preservation
Skills like canning, pickling, and proper food storage are less frequently practiced. Food preservation extends the shelf life of produce and reduces waste, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food. It’s a valuable skill that promotes sustainability and self-reliance.
Face-to-Face Communication
As digital communication becomes more prevalent, in-person social skills can sometimes become underdeveloped. Face-to-face communication is essential for building strong personal and professional relationships. It enhances interpersonal skills and fosters a deeper connection with others.
Writing Formal Letters
The art of composing professional or formal correspondence is declining. Writing formal letters is crucial for effective communication in various settings, from job applications to business communications. It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze information critically and form independent opinions is sometimes overshadowed by quick access to online information. Critical thinking is vital for making well-informed decisions and solving complex problems. It fosters intellectual independence and a deeper understanding of the world.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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