20 Things They Don’t Teach You in School

This post may contain affiliate links. Feel free to view my disclosure here.

 

Life goes beyond what is taught in school, requiring skills and knowledge essential for everyday success. There are plenty of practical things you need to know that schools don’t teach. Here are twenty important things you won’t learn in a traditional classroom setting.

20 Things They Don’t Teach You in School

1. Managing Personal Finances

Start by tracking your income and expenses to create a budget that works for your needs. Prioritize saving at least 20% of your income and build an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses. Keep your credit score strong by paying bills on time, using credit cards responsibly, and checking your credit report regularly. These small habits can make a big difference in your financial stability.

2. Negotiating Salaries

Research what people in similar roles with your experience earn using sites like Glassdoor or PayScale. This gives you a solid idea of what to expect. Be ready to explain why you’re worth more by pointing to specific achievements, skills, or certifications that set you apart. Practice your pitch with someone you trust to feel more confident. During the conversation, ask about the role’s budget, and don’t be afraid to counter if the offer is low. Keep the tone positive and show your excitement about the opportunity while advocating for yourself.

3. Networking for Career Growth

Building strong professional relationships is key to advancing your career. Focus on being genuine, listening actively, and engaging with others’ perspectives. Attend industry events and participate in online forums to connect with people in your field. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated, and send personalized connection requests to make meaningful connections. Share relevant content and stay involved with your network to maintain those relationships and grow your opportunities.

4. Conflict Resolution

Resolving conflicts effectively starts with staying calm and understanding your own emotional triggers. Listening actively to the other person shows respect and helps you understand their perspective. Using “I” statements, like “I feel frustrated because…” instead of placing blame, keeps the conversation constructive. Focus on finding solutions that work for both sides rather than winning the argument. This approach builds trust and helps strengthen relationships over time.

5. Filing Taxes

Preparing for tax season means organizing important documents such as W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductible expenses. Simple tax situations can often be handled with affordable tax software that guides you through the process. For more complex finances, like owning a business or managing investments, a tax professional can ensure your return is accurate and you maximize any eligible deductions.

6. Building Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence involves understanding your emotions and responding to others thoughtfully. Pay attention to your feelings throughout the day and reflect on what triggers them. Practice empathy by truly listening to others and considering their perspectives without judgment. Regular self-reflection and honest feedback from people you trust can help you better manage your emotions and improve your interactions.

7. Basic Car Maintenance

Changing a flat tire and checking oil levels are essential skills for every driver. Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth helps prevent blowouts and improves fuel efficiency. Knowing how to replace windshield wiper blades and refill washer fluid is essential, especially in harsh weather. Routine maintenance, like oil changes, brake inspections, and air filter replacements, can save you from costly repairs down the line. Recognizing dashboard warning lights ensures you address potential issues before they become serious problems.

8. Finding Affordable Housing

Finding affordable housing starts with researching local rental markets to understand average prices and what’s available in your area. Use sites like Zillow or Apartments.com to compare neighborhoods and see what fits your budget. Read lease agreements carefully to understand rent, lease terms, and deposit policies. Knowing your tenant rights, such as the landlord’s responsibility to keep the space safe and livable, can protect you from unfair practices.

9. Mental Health Self-Care

Managing stress is an important part of staying mentally healthy. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or regular exercise can help control stress. If stress starts to feel unmanageable or affects your daily life, getting professional help is a good idea. Pay attention to signs like trouble focusing, avoiding social interactions, or big changes in your sleep or appetite. A mental health professional can offer support and practical tools to help you feel better.

10. Managing Digital Overload

Managing digital overload means setting clear limits on screen time and keeping your devices organized. Use tools like Screen Time on Apple or Digital Wellbeing on Android to track and manage how much time you’re spending online. Delete apps, files, and emails you don’t need to cut down on clutter. Services like Unroll.Me can help clean up your email subscriptions, and cloud storage tools like Google Drive make it easier to keep important files in one place.

11. Understanding Legal Rights

Knowing your rights can save you from a lot of trouble. If you’re a tenant, make sure you understand your lease, how security deposits work, and when a landlord is allowed to enter your home. At work, take time to review your employment contract so you’re clear on your responsibilities, pay, and termination rules. Avoid common mistakes like skipping updates to legal documents after major life events or not asking for professional advice when needed. Staying informed helps you protect yourself and avoid unnecessary problems.

12. Investing Basics

Investing is a way to grow your money over time by putting it into things like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Stocks can give high returns but come with more risk, while bonds are steadier and pay regular interest. Mutual funds let you invest in a mix of assets managed by professionals, which can lower your risk. Planning for the long term is key, as it allows your investments to grow and helps you reach big goals like retiring comfortably or buying a home.

13. Planning for Retirement

Starting retirement planning early can greatly affect how much you save over time. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s are great if your employer offers matching contributions since it’s extra money added to your savings.

Whether traditional or Roth, IRAs are solid options for growing your money, with traditional accounts offering tax-deferred growth and Roth accounts allowing tax-free withdrawals later. Beginning sooner means your money has more time to grow, and you won’t have to save as much each month to reach your goals.

14. Navigating Public Transportation

Using public transportation starts with checking maps and schedules, which you can usually find on apps or transit websites. Stay safe by waiting in well-lit areas and staying aware of your surroundings. Look for discount passes or commuter options that fit your schedule to save money.

15. Online Security Essentials

Staying safe online starts with recognizing phishing scams and creating strong passwords. Be cautious of messages asking for personal information or pressuring you to act quickly—always double-check the sender before clicking any links. Strong passwords should have at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager can make it easier to keep your accounts secure by safely storing unique passwords for each one.

16. Sustainable Living Choices

Small changes at home can make a big difference for the environment and your wallet. Switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce waste. Compost food scraps to reduce trash and create fertilizer for plants. Seal gaps around windows and doors, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and use a smart thermostat to save energy and lower utility bills. These simple steps are easy to stick to and have a lasting impact.

17. Career Advancement Strategies

Building your career means keeping your skills up to date through courses, workshops, or learning from a mentor. When asking for a promotion, focus on your achievements and how you’ve contributed to the company’s success. Bring it up during performance reviews or after completing a big project to show your impact.

18. Creating a Will

Creating a will is important for everyone because it ensures your assets, like bank accounts, personal belongings, and pets, are distributed the way you want. It prevents confusion and legal disputes for your family. Choose an executor you trust to handle your estate, pay any debts, and carry out your wishes. If you don’t have someone suitable, you can appoint a professional executor to take care of these responsibilities.

19. Understanding Insurance

Understanding Insurance involves more than glancing at policy names. Health, auto, and renter’s plans come with different coverage details, so comparing deductibles, coverage caps, and exclusions before committing can prevent problems. Skipping add-ons that don’t align with actual needs keeps costs in check, and it helps to choose a provider with a solid track record for reliable service.

20. Building Credit Wisely

Building credit safely involves starting with a secured credit card or asking to be added as an authorized user on someone’s account. Always pay your bills on time and keep your credit card balances below 30% of your limit. Avoid common mistakes like missing payments, accumulating too much debt, or closing old accounts, as these can hurt your credit score. Regularly check your credit report to catch and fix any errors. Taking these steps helps you create and maintain a strong credit history.

Developing these essential skills can make a big difference in how you handle everyday challenges. Investing time in developing them leads to a more balanced and secure life. With these lessons, you’ll be better equipped to face adulthood with confidence and resilience.