If you’re old enough to drink and smoke, you should be old enough to have certain life skills.
Sure, “adulting” is hard, but these are the essential skills that help us manage everyday life, make better decisions, and led a healthy, balanced life. If you’re still working on some of these, don’t worry — it’s never too late to learn. However, if the very idea of doing these things leaves you quaking in fear, you’ve got some serious growing up to do.
1. Cooking basic meals
Being able to cook simple, healthy meals is a must. Not only does it save you money, but it also gives you control over what goes into your body. Whether it’s whipping up scrambled eggs or making pasta, everyone should have a few go-to meals they can make without relying on takeaway or frozen dinners all the time. It’s one of those skills that makes you feel a lot more independent, trust me.
2. Managing your finances
Learning how to budget, save, and understand where your money’s going is a huge life skill. It’s not just paying bills on time — it’s about feeling in control of your financial situation, avoiding unnecessary stress, and being able to make decisions about your future. It doesn’t need to be complicated; even a basic understanding of your finances can make a massive difference.
3. Basic cleaning and home maintenance
We all love a clean space, but knowing how to keep things in order and fix minor issues around the house is key to maintaining a comfortable life. Whether it’s doing the dishes, changing a lightbulb, or fixing a leaky tap, you don’t need to be a pro, but knowing how to handle basic home tasks is part of being an adult.
4. Effective communication
Whether you’re chatting with your boss or trying to sort things out with a friend, being able to communicate clearly and confidently is a game-changer. Misunderstandings can cause a lot of unnecessary stress, so having solid communication skills, whether face-to-face, over the phone, or even in writing, makes life a whole lot easier.
5. Time management
As an adult, you’ve got more than one thing to juggle at once. Knowing how to prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively is essential. Whether it’s balancing work, social life, or personal goals, good time management helps reduce stress and keeps you on track with everything you need to do.
6. Handling stress and emotions
It’s totally normal to feel stressed or anxious sometimes, but learning how to handle those emotions in a healthy way is key. Whether it’s taking a break, breathing deeply, or knowing when to ask for help, managing your emotions helps you stay grounded and keeps your mental health in check.
7. Self-care
Taking care of your body and mind isn’t just for pamper days; it’s something you need to do regularly. Eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, and giving yourself a break when needed are all part of maintaining a balanced life. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential to keep you functioning at your best, both physically and mentally.
8. Knowing how to do laundry
Source: Unsplash Laundry might seem like one of those boring tasks, but you’d be surprised how many people struggle with it. Sorting your clothes, understanding your washing machine, and learning to fold clothes neatly are just basic adult skills. It’s one of those things you should’ve figured out by now, and it’s honestly not as hard as it seems.
9. Navigating public transportation or driving
Being able to get around is vital, whether you’re driving, using public transport, or even taking an Uber. It’s about independence—knowing how to use your local transport system or getting a driving licence is just a part of being an adult. The more comfortable you are with getting around, the more freedom you have in your everyday life.
10. First aid basics
Knowing what to do in an emergency, whether it’s treating a cut or burn or understanding basic CPR, could make all the difference. You don’t need to be a medical expert, but having basic first aid knowledge can help you stay calm in an emergency and maybe even save a life.
11. Conflict resolution
Disagreements happen, but knowing how to handle them calmly and respectfully is a crucial skill. Whether it’s resolving an issue with a colleague or sorting something out with a friend, being able to manage conflicts effectively keeps things from escalating and helps you build stronger relationships in the process.
12. Problem-solving and decision-making
Life is full of problems that need fixing, and being able to think on your feet and make decisions quickly is an important adult skill. It doesn’t matter if it’s work-related, personal, or just an everyday issue — being able to come up with solutions and make smart choices is how you get through life’s challenges.
13. Networking
Networking isn’t just for job hunting — it’s necessary for building relationships, creating opportunities, and getting support when you need it. Whether it’s staying in touch with old friends or meeting new people in your industry, networking helps open doors and gives you a support system when times get tough.
14. Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Being able to offer feedback that’s helpful and constructive is just as important as knowing how to accept it. Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, being open to feedback allows you to learn, grow, and improve. Both giving and receiving it graciously is a skill that helps keep relationships healthy.
15. Goal-setting and personal growth
Setting goals for yourself — for your career, health, or personal development — is a key part of growing. Knowing how to break those goals down into manageable steps and tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and on course. Personal growth is all about being willing to adjust, learn, and move forward.
