In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, younger generations are facing a unique challenge: the loss of essential life skills. A recent survey revealed that 81% of college graduates wish they had been taught more practical skills before graduating.1
As millennials and Gen Z navigate an increasingly digital landscape, they find themselves ill-equipped to handle everyday situations that previous generations took for granted.
Here are 20 life skills that people under 40 are losing.
1. Changing a Tire
Gone are the days when changing a tire was a rite of passage for young drivers. With the rise of roadside assistance services and the prevalence of run-flat tires, many millennials and Gen Z have never had to get their hands dirty with this essential skill.
Knowing how to change a tire can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. It not only saves time and money but also instills a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Learning this skill is a valuable investment that can come in handy when you least expect it.
2. Writing a Check
In an era of digital payments and online banking, writing a check has become a lost art. Younger generations are more accustomed to swiping their credit cards or using mobile payment apps, leaving them clueless when faced with a checkbook.
While checks may seem outdated, they are still widely used for certain transactions, such as paying rent or making donations. Understanding how to properly fill out a check, including the date, payee, amount, and signature, is a fundamental financial skill that everyone should possess.
3. Reading a Map
With GPS navigation systems and smartphone apps at our fingertips, the ability to read a physical map is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Younger generations rely heavily on technology to guide them, often struggling when faced with a traditional map.
Being able to navigate using a map is a valuable skill, especially in areas with poor cell reception or when technology fails. It enhances spatial awareness, improves problem-solving skills, and allows for a deeper understanding of one’s surroundings.
4. Sewing & Mending Clothes
In a world of fast fashion and disposable clothing, the art of sewing and mending has been largely forgotten by younger generations. Many people under 40 lack the basic skills to sew on a button, repair a torn seam, or hem a pair of pants.
Learning to sew and mend clothes not only saves money but also promotes sustainability by extending the life of garments. It fosters creativity, encourages self-sufficiency, and allows for personalization of one’s wardrobe.
5. Basic Home Repairs
As more young adults opt for renting instead of homeownership, basic home repair skills are becoming increasingly rare. Simple tasks like unclogging a drain, fixing a leaky faucet, or patching a hole in the wall can be daunting for those who have never been taught these skills.
Knowing how to perform basic home repairs not only saves money on professional services but also instills a sense of independence and self-reliance. It allows individuals to take control of their living space and address minor issues before they escalate into costly problems.
6. Cooking from Scratch
In an age of convenience foods and food delivery apps, cooking from scratch has become a lost art among younger generations. Many people under 40 rely on pre-packaged meals, takeout, or restaurant dining, lacking the skills to prepare a wholesome meal from fresh ingredients.
Cooking from scratch not only promotes healthier eating habits but also fosters creativity, experimentation, and a deeper appreciation for food. It allows individuals to control the quality and nutritional value of their meals while saving money on dining out.
7. Parallel Parking
With the advent of self-parking cars and the increasing reliance on ride-sharing services, parallel parking has become a daunting task for many young drivers. The skill of maneuvering a vehicle into a tight space between two cars is slowly fading away.
Parallel parking remains an essential skill, especially in urban areas where parking spaces are limited. Mastering this technique not only saves time and frustration but also demonstrates a level of driving proficiency and spatial awareness.
8. Budgeting & Financial Planning
In a world of instant gratification and easy credit, budgeting and financial planning have become foreign concepts to many people under 40. The lack of financial literacy leaves younger generations vulnerable to debt, overspending, and poor money management.
Learning to create and stick to a budget, save for the future, and make informed financial decisions is crucial for long-term financial stability. It empowers individuals to take control of their finances, set realistic goals, and build a solid foundation for their future.
9. Basic First Aid & CPR
With the increasing reliance on emergency services, basic first aid and CPR skills are becoming less common among younger generations. Many people under 40 lack the knowledge and confidence to handle medical emergencies until professional help arrives.
Knowing how to perform basic first aid and CPR can be the difference between life and death in critical situations. It empowers individuals to act quickly, provide immediate care, and potentially save lives.
10. Writing in Cursive
In the digital age, where typing has become the norm, the art of cursive writing is rapidly disappearing. Many schools have removed cursive writing from their curricula, leaving younger generations unable to read or write in this elegant script.
While some may argue that cursive writing is no longer necessary, it remains a valuable skill for personal and professional communication. It enhances fine motor skills, improves memory retention, and allows for a unique form of self-expression.(ref)
11. Changing a Car’s Oil
With the rise of quick lube shops and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, changing a car’s oil has become a foreign concept to many people under 40. The convenience of dropping off a car for service has overshadowed the importance of understanding basic vehicle maintenance.
Knowing how to change a car’s oil not only saves money but also promotes a deeper understanding of how a vehicle functions. It allows individuals to take a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and catch potential issues before they become costly repairs.
12. Public Speaking
In an era of digital communication and social media, public speaking skills are becoming increasingly rare among younger generations. Many people under 40 struggle with the idea of standing in front of an audience and delivering a clear, confident message.
Public speaking remains a crucial skill in both personal and professional settings. It enhances communication abilities, boosts self-confidence, and opens doors to new opportunities. Mastering the art of public speaking can set individuals apart in their careers and personal lives.
13. Handwriting Thank-You Notes
In a world of instant messaging and email, the practice of handwriting thank-you notes has become a lost art among younger generations. The convenience of digital communication has overshadowed the personal touch and thoughtfulness of a handwritten note.
Writing a thank-you note demonstrates gratitude, strengthens relationships, and leaves a lasting impression. It shows a level of effort and sincerity that cannot be replicated through a digital message.
14. Ironing Clothes
With the popularity of wrinkle-resistant fabrics and the rise of casual dress codes, ironing clothes has become a skill that many people under 40 have never learned. The convenience of throwing clothes in the dryer or wearing them straight out of the laundry basket has replaced the need for a crisp, well-pressed appearance.
Knowing how to properly iron clothes is still a valuable skill, especially in professional settings where appearance matters. It demonstrates attention to detail, self-care, and a level of sophistication that can set individuals apart.
15. Negotiating
In a world where online shopping and fixed prices are the norm, negotiating skills are becoming less common among younger generations. Many people under 40 are uncomfortable with the idea of haggling or asking for a better deal.
Negotiating is a crucial life skill that can be applied in various situations, from salary discussions to major purchases. It empowers individuals to advocate for themselves, find mutually beneficial solutions, and secure better outcomes.
16. Basic Car Maintenance
With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the convenience of professional services, basic car maintenance skills are becoming less common among younger generations. Many people under 40 rely on mechanics for even the simplest tasks, such as checking tire pressure or replacing windshield wipers.
Understanding basic car maintenance not only saves money but also promotes a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. It allows individuals to identify potential issues, perform minor repairs, and make informed decisions about their vehicles.
17. Balancing a Checkbook
In an era of online banking and automatic payments, balancing a checkbook has become a lost art among younger generations. Many people under 40 rely solely on digital tools to track their finances, leaving them vulnerable to errors and overspending.
Regularly balancing a checkbook promotes financial awareness, helps catch discrepancies, and provides a clear picture of one’s spending habits. It instills a sense of accountability and encourages responsible money management.
18. Starting a Fire
With the convenience of central heating and the prevalence of electric stoves, starting a fire has become a skill that many people under 40 have never learned. The ability to build and maintain a fire, whether for warmth, cooking, or leisure, is slowly fading away.
Knowing how to start a fire is a valuable survival skill that can come in handy in various situations, from camping trips to power outages. It promotes self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and a deeper connection with nature.
19. Memorization
In an age where information is readily available at our fingertips, the skill of memorization is becoming less emphasized among younger generations. Many people under 40 rely on digital devices to store and retrieve information, leaving their memory muscles underutilized.
Memorization remains a crucial cognitive skill that enhances learning, improves retention, and sharpens mental acuity. It allows individuals to quickly recall important information, engage in meaningful conversations, and exercise their brains.
20. Conflict Resolution
In a world of online anonymity and digital communication, conflict resolution skills are becoming less developed among younger generations. Many people under 40 struggle with the idea of face-to-face confrontation and constructive problem-solving.
Effective conflict resolution is essential in both personal and professional relationships. It promotes empathy, active listening, and the development of mutually beneficial solutions. Mastering conflict resolution skills can lead to healthier relationships, improved teamwork, and a more harmonious environment.
These 20 life skills that younger generations are losing make it clear that there’s a growing need to bridge the gap between traditional know-how and modern convenience. While technology has undoubtedly improved our lives in many ways, it’s crucial not to overlook the value of these fundamental abilities.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.