10 Skills I Believe We All Should Have

Welcome to Career Advise, the newsletter providing career advice, how-tos, and life musings through an optimistic and intriguing lens.

Each week, you will receive two newsletters written by the Oppstartr Team. Mondays — Our career-focused newsletter. Fridays — Out of Office where we discuss life and other thought-provoking ideas.

Happy Friday to you all, and welcome to Out of Office, the weekend edition of Career Advise.

These skills are not an exhaustive list. I’ll probably (definitely) have more later.

This is a list of skills I believe everyone should try and develop to varying degrees. In future Out Of Offices, I may expand into these areas further, but for now, here is the list and some simple definitions and examples.

In no particular order, here are the 10 Skills:

1. Simple Home Fixes/Upgrades

   I cannot begin to tell you how much time and money I’ve saved by being able to do simple home repairs and remodeling. Warning: Only do what you are comfortable with, or else you will end up costing yourself a lot more than just hiring the professional in the first place. If you have never plumbed before, you might accidentally flood your lower levels.

2. Situational Awareness

   You must know where you are and who is around you. Don’t get yourself into a tough spot; if you do, learn how to get yourself out of one.

3. Critical Thinking

   Many ideas are floating around – some good ones and lots of bad ones. You need to develop critical thinking skills to discern and choose the best ideas and reject the bad ideas. Bad ideas can get you into a lot of trouble.

4. Navigation

   Your Phone or GPS can and will fail. Could you get home without these?

5. Personal Finance

   Money can allow you to do wonderful things, and it can also bring unimaginable stress. Money comes in handy. Learn how to manage it.

6. Your Area’s Political System

   By area, that could mean your city, county, or even country. Learn how your system functions, and what your rights and duties are. Remember, good societies are composed of good humans. Be one of those humans.

7. How to Dress – Well

   Dressing well communicates respect for yourself and others. You don’t have to wear a suit to the grocery, but a collared shirt wouldn’t hurt. Dressing well still has a place. We used to fear underdressing, but now we fear overdressing. Don’t be afraid of dressing well – embrace it.

8. How to Socialize – Face-to-Face

   Fifteen years ago, I don’t think I would have included this, but we’re becoming more isolated and have forgotten the need for face-to-face socializing. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn. Introduce yourself to someone.

9. Focus

   We are so distracted by screens, and our attention spans have suffered dearly. Learn how to focus on work and leisure. Focusing during the latter is just as important.

10. Cooking

    You can save time and money, and you can generally eat healthier. It’s also an attractive quality.

Thank you for reading Career Advise. Be sure to read our upcoming issue on Monday where we focus on our second pillar: Navigate the Gray.

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