Useful Life Skills

[blank_dave]

I know kind of an odd topic, but I've been thinking what are some good skills to have. Not neccessarily for day to day use either...And no I don't think DATY counts. Also, if it's teachable, where can you get said teachings. (Yes, I'm looking to expand my skill sets). I'm also including really fundimentals like reading and math.

Some that spring to mind/I have...
Driving...Good in a rural enviroment
Swimming
First aid & CPR
Cooking I would like to expand on this though
Map reading with GPS this is a dying skill
Painting. And I'm not talking the artistic slant either

I'm also thinking basic car maintainence/repair, plumbing, and carpentry would be useful too, but I'm pretty clueless there...Ok, not as clueless as I am at How to Pick Up Chicks or even How to Meet People...But I think I've mentioned what I'm working with there.

So what your suggestions to add to this list?

 

[Bopper2]

Communication, both written and oral.

 

[blackrock13]

BD;

Your threads certainly can be outside the box, but they are good ones. That's list is a good start and will keep you busy for the next while. Just few changes though.

Forget car mechanics as far fixing anything, but good car maintenance is a great idea, being able replace a lightbulb, battery, or air filter keep things running better. Knowing how a car works is a good start and a lot of people aren't even there.

Don't worry about using a GPS. They can get you in trouble, as others have pointed out, if you can't remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west and the sun/CN Toweris usually south of where you are. After those simple points, which many many people can't seem to grasp, the rest is easy.

Expand painting to simple home repair. Saves lots of money and impresses the ladies all to hell. It's neck and neck what impresses them more basic cooking skills (that's beyond boiling bags and micro/reheating leftovers) or basic household repairs.

St John's Ambulance first aid training is good for everyone, absolutely everyone. many levels available to suit your expectations.

Defensive driving courses are great, but you get what you pay for, basic defensive or winter driving courses are never a waste and they save lives.

 

[fuji]

Accounting. Negotiation. Being able to make small talk.

 

[Viggo Rasmussen]

Welding is useful and can be learned easily, can be useful when creating your own dungeon or making armour.

 

[Medman52]

I find being able to communicate with people you've never met before an asset. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Being able to use a hammer and a saw, means that if you are physically able, and can afford the wood, you will never be without shelter!
Knowing how to handle a sailboat will also come in handy some day ( when governments control the distribution of oil!! )

The MOST useful skills though are being flexible in your life, not allow others to yank your chain, and LAUGH as much as you can!!!!!!!!

 

[fuji]

Being able to use a hammer and a saw, means that if you are physically able, and can afford the wood, you will never be without shelter!

And the land, the building permit, and the property taxes!

 

[Viggo Rasmussen]

Knowing how to tie different knots, they could save someone's life or be fun in the bedroom.

Cooking. Women appreciate a man who can cook for them, or you can find out you don't need a woman to take care of you - either way can work well for you.

Typing. The only skill I learned in high school that I found useful - didn't realize it at the time, it was seen as a course for young women.

 

[Medman52]

And the land, the building permit, and the property taxes!

Lots of land in Canada, not all expensive, not everyone is poor!

 

[blackrock13]

I find being able to communicate with people you've never met before an asset. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Being able to use a hammer and a saw, means that if you are physically able, and can afford the wood, you will never be without shelter!
Knowing how to handle a sailboat will also come in handy some day ( when governments control the distribution of oil!! )

The MOST useful skills though are being flexible in your life, not allow others to yank your chain, and LAUGH as much as you can!!!!!!!!

Along those lines, it's never a bad thing to learn how to speak in public. You don't have to lecture but Toastmasters Associations are a great way to learn and great for networking. On a lower level, Take some improv classes. They're a scream literally and you can't flunk out. You learn some confidence about being in public with strangers, laugh you ass off at yourself and others and be comforted in the thought that you'll probably never see any of these people again, so wtf.

 

[Medman52]

Along those lines, it's never a bad thing to learn how to speak in public. You don't have to lecture but Toastmasters Associations are a great way to learn and great for networking. On a lower level, Take some improve classes. They're a scream literally and you can't flunk out. You learn some confidence about being in public with strangers, laugh you ass off at your self and others and be comforted in the thought that you'll probably never see any of these people again, so wtf.

IMO ..this is a one of the ways to stay healthy!!!

 

[ogibowt]

being able to read body language.....and genarally using "sidewalk" smarts..

 

[sleazure]

Simple good manners and courtesy.

Grooming and personal hygeine.

 

[harry ballsonya]

Learn Photoshop, lots of online tutorials

 

[Tangwhich]

Typing. The only skill I learned in high school that I found useful - didn't realize it at the time, it was seen as a course for young women.

Couldn't agree with you more.. although i suspect that these days student recognize how important this skill is..

Add to the list everyday finances (mortgage, credit cards, etc)..

 

[Boyscout352]

Not in any particular order:

Tie a necktie/bow tie
Sew a button/stitching
Put up a camping tent
Drive manual transmission
Mix basic drinks/cocktails
Patching (plaster, cement)
Change a tire

 

[blackrock13]

Not in any particular order:

Tie a necktie/bow tie, especially the bowtie on you future father in law
Sew a button/stitching
Put up a camping tent
Drive manual transmission another good one
Mix basic drinks/cocktails, first the ice an mix then the liquor.
Patching (plaster, cement)
Change a tireyours or hers, another gem
/QUOTE] .

Really good, cheap, easy list.

 

[needinit]

Touch typing (an advantage in this environment, although most people learn by doing)
Good understanding of basic Math (up to about year 10 or 11?): need it everyday!! (I don't know how many times I've come across people who can't make change even!).
A good vocabulary
How to listen to people (ie. listen then repeat what you heard them say) and remembering people's names (gets you a long way in life as it show you were paying attention to them and people like that).