Life and Work Skills for Young Professionals

by May 9, 2018

Oftentimes, the skills we learn for work translate into skills we use outside of work as well. There are so many critical skills we could and should learn, but the most “important” ones will probably vary depending on who you ask.

Shana Lebowitz created a great list of 24 Life Skills Every Adult Should Master Before Turning 30, so we’ve highlighted a few of the best. These skills are important for both work and life outside of work, so take notes!

  • Accepting feedback gracefully: This one is very important. It’s easy to take feedback personally, especially if you haven’t been in the “adult” world for very long. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all had to adjust. Remember especially in a professional environment that feedback isn’t personal, and it’s meant to help you. In fact, a supervisor or colleague who tries to help you with feedback usually wants you to stick around and grow. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be investing their time in you.
  • Apologizing sincerely: Being in a situation where you have to apologize, especially at work, never feels good. However, the best to recovering from a slip up is apologizing in an authentic way. Learn when to admit you were wrong, and assure your supervisor that you’ve learned from the situation. Stay humble.
  • Empathy: Emotional intelligence is is an important component of working with others. Remember that everyone’s perspective is not the same as your own, and everyone has different experiences. Try to see things from others’ perspective.
  • Creating (and maintaining) a budget: Making a budget is a logical thing to do regardless, but sticking to it is also very satisfying. It feels good to be on top of things, and will cause much less stress than not having a spending plan.

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Recent Posts

You Can Succeed Even When Change Is Constant

You Can Succeed Even When Change Is Constant

Today’s unprecedented circumstances can make navigating your workplace feel overwhelming. But don’t panic! You’re going through this time of change with everyone in your professional community. Remember that you’ve established strong patterns that can provide a...

Wednesday Wellness: Change

Wednesday Wellness: Change

From day to day, you’re growing and changing. The newness of that might feel frightening, but there’s no better time to embrace that strength that comes with adapting to the circumstances life brings your way. Finding the strength and bright spots while facing change...

Navigating Change In Your Workplace

Navigating Change In Your Workplace

Today we’re discussing ways to make changes happen in your life and your workplace rather than letting change solely be something that happens to you. Be sure to take an active role when faced with new paths. Encountering new and different things in your professional...

Feel Good Friday: Momentum

Feel Good Friday: Momentum

Happy Friday! Congratulations--your forward momentum has brought you here to the finish line of your work week. Let that energy carry you into a restful weekend, a time that will allow you to rest up and recharge before heading back to work on Monday. Take the...

Keep Going And Keep Growing

Keep Going And Keep Growing

After the initial excitement of returning has worn off, you may find yourself feeling like work is a drag. It may also feel difficult to sustain your initial sense of success upon re-entering your professional environment after you’ve had a chance to see that your...

Wednesday Wellness: Momentum

Wednesday Wellness: Momentum

Thanks to the holiday on Monday, you’re already halfway through your work week! The energy you were able to build up thanks to the extra day of rest helped propel you through yesterday--keep that positive energy with you as you move forward. Today’s curated sayings...

Keep Your Workplace Momentum Going

Keep Your Workplace Momentum Going

Welcome back! We hope you had a chance to rest up and recharge over the weekend, allowing you to return to your workplace with a sense of renewed energy. While the initial burst of energy you’ve experienced in moving forward in your professional endeavors may be a...

Feel Good Friday: Return

Feel Good Friday: Return

Happy Friday! Think of “return” not just as turning back but a way to move forward--another “turn” in the game of life and thus another opportunity to forge new paths as you proceed. Take all of the experiences you’ve had during these uncertain times and use them to...

What To Do When Planning to Go Back

What To Do When Planning to Go Back

With the weekend in sight, your return to your workplace is likely approaching. This may feel like an abrupt shift, especially after you’ve established new routines that have helped you succeed while working remotely--which is why today we’re focusing on what you can...

Wednesday Wellness: Return

Wednesday Wellness: Return

As we move closer to summer, let the return of this sunny season inspire your return to work. Find joy in returning to your regular workplace rhythms while applying the new lessons you’ve learned in adapting to the unprecedented circumstances you’ve experienced. It’s...

Making Your Return to Work Easy

Making Your Return to Work Easy

Are you dreading heading back into the office? We’ve got ways to help ease that transition! Our focus today is on adopting a positive mental framework when it comes to returning to a normal pace at your workplace. You’re only human, so make sure you’re allowing...

Monday Mood Booster: Return

Monday Mood Booster: Return

Welcome back! While it’s important to live in the present and be mindful in completing your work, it’s also necessary to think about the future. There will come a time when you’ll need to get back into the normal swing of things; take a moment now to start...

Feel Good Friday: Guidance

Feel Good Friday: Guidance

Happy Friday! You’ve made it through the work week. Now let the sun and warmth of these late spring days guide you forward, setting you on a path that will allow you to better connect with your colleagues and peers as well as introducing you to the possibilities of...

Mentorship Is A Two-Way Street

Mentorship Is A Two-Way Street

Just as there are many ways to be a mentor and mentee, there are plenty of methods out there to find--and ask--the perfect person for you! Today we’re continuing to provide even more tips for seeking out the right guidance in your workplace. And then going beyond...