5 life skills to learn now

Life today is quite unpredictable and so should you be. Often times, we have seen some skills as luxury and others as needs. More people are tilting towards hair making, leaning Tech skills, cyber skills, and becoming beauticians, Phlebotomists, amongst others.

While those skills are great in today’s economic market, to probably secure the bag and position yourself well in the labour market, there are basic life skills that you need, which can come in handy in situation of emergencies, and even making money as well. So being a Tech Savvy is good but being armed with essential life’s skill is better. See the basic skills you need to thrive no matter where you are in the world:

1. Swimming

Many Nigerians often say, “Abeg, I no get business with water,” until heavy rains flood the streets, or they need to rescue a loved one from a pool. Then, it dawns on them that they do not have what it takes to do that.

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Knowing how to swim isn’t just for beach vacations—it’s a survival skill. If you fall into deep water, even knowing how to float can save your life. Plus, swimming is great exercise and helps reduce stress. If you can’t swim yet, consider taking lessons. It might save your life one day or provide you with a lucrative job.

2. Driving

Driving is another essential skill everyone needs—both women and men. It feels like a luxury when you can pay logistics personnel to drive you but learning the act of driving is of utmost importance.

Driving isn’t just about convenience—it can be lifesaving. Imagine a medical emergency where you need to get someone to the hospital fast. Or a situation where you need to leave an unsafe place quickly. If you can drive, you have control over your movement. Even if you don’t own a car, learn to drive. You never know when you’ll need it.

3. Money management

Being broke is not funny. In this economy, where prices jump overnight, financial literacy is not optional, it’s a necessity. You need to understand how you can manage your money so you just don’t earn without being able to budget it to bring you value in the long run.
Being able to manage your money means you know when to avoid too many debts, grow your through smart investments, save up emergency fund, and live within your means.

Money management is not about making millions overnight but knowing how to handle the money you have so it works for you. The more you understand money, the less likely you are to end up struggling— especially in this economy.

4. First Aid

Accidents can happen anytime—at home, on the road, or even in the office. If someone chokes, faints, or gets injured, what will you do? Waiting for an ambulance (that may never come on time) isn’t always the best option.

Knowing basic first aid, like CPR, how to stop bleeding, or what to do in case of burns, can make a huge difference. You don’t need to be a doctor, but a little knowledge can save lives—including yours and your family.

5. Communication skills

No matter how smart you are, if you can’t communicate properly to ensure that the opposite person understands you, you’ll struggle. Whether it’s at work, in relationships, or even just negotiating better prices in the market, effective communication is important.

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Moreso, good communication skills place you in good position for job opportunities, avoid misunderstandings, build strong relationships and, express yourself clearly and confidently. This skill is not just about talking—it’s about listening, understanding, and responding in a way that gets results.

These five skills aren’t fancy—they are necessary. They help you navigate life, handle emergencies, and position yourself for success. If you don’t have them yet, start learning now. The world is unpredictable, but with these skills, you’ll always be prepared!