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“Learn How To Swim”: People Say To Dedicate 10 Hours To These 46 Skills That Pay Off Big-Time
Some abilities take years to master, but others can be picked up in just a few hours and still prove useful for the rest of your life.
So, Reddit user Michaelis999 asked people to share which ones made the biggest difference for them, and the answers range from practical know-how, like basic household repairs, to social abilities such as active listening.
It’s better to have a skill and not need it than to need it and not have it.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Learning where your water main shutoff valve is for your house.
Bored Sailor 3 months ago
When I lived in California we had ceiling sprinkler system, I worked ~2hrs away and pretty unreachable. Direct TV was installing their equipment and when running the lines the tech slipped and broken a fire main. Neither him or my ex knew how to shut off the water at the main or the fire valves inthe garage on the wall fully visible. Lucked out the first guy to show up ripped all the carpet out because if insurance showed up first they would try and dry it. So DTV got me all new floors and repainted walls that needed to be cut open to dry out.
Brian Garcia 3 months ago
Cannot stress this enough...and for us it's knowing the street main for the house, house supply, and irrigation. I'd also add the gas shutoff and knowing your breaker/fuse box.
Happy Onion 3 months ago
And we actually had to use ours the very first week we moved in. 1 inch of water in the basement because a nail had gone through a pipe and finally rusted away. Of course it happened at night while we were sleeping.
RELATED:
#2
Learning how to sew on a button, and basic mending stitches.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
You'll be a hero at University, nobody else will know how this magic is conjured ;-)
Boris Long-Johnson 3 months ago
Really? I don’t think I’ve ever had a button fall off clothing!
#3
Learning the shortcuts for software you use daily. I basically force the juniors to start using shortcuts it always pays off in the end (software engineer). But this goes for everyone, designers in Photoshop, people using spreadsheets, if you use it daily, put in a bit of time to learn how to be efficient.
Sam Trudeau 3 months ago
Especially if your spurs go jingle jangle jingle
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Peter Bear 3 months ago
Been an apple user for decades now, and I use so many shortcuts without even thinking about it.
Sam Trudeau 3 months ago
This drove me nuts when I first used a Mac computer. Not that it doesn't HAVE shortcuts, but it uses the alt key instead of the ctrl key.
#4
Cooking basic stuff like broiled chicken, meatballs, pasta, etc
so easy to save a lot of money but people are lazy af.
Auntriarch 3 months ago
Me too, but I like good food, so to the kitchen it is...
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Andrew Keir 3 months ago
I did try to learn to cook. Ruined a whole lot of perfectly good ingredients. Now I buy ready-meals. It's cheaper - for me , anyway.
#5
Microsoft Excel. If you know basic math and calculating then you can do amazing things.
#6
Learn how to swim. It can save your life.
It shocks me how many people accidentally fall into water and drown because they don't know how to swim. You can easily learn the basics and enough to keep yourself alive in 10 hours.
Bored Sailor 3 months ago
Crazy as it might sound we had small boat crews that could only do their job while deployed because they never passed basic swimming and the qualification could be waived while deployed as a class two rescue swimmer when in port doing security patrols I had to lead the boat teams.
Brian Garcia 3 months ago
Wife and I both SoCal natives and grew up around the surf; one of the first things we did with our son was swimming/water safety; it was never even up for debate. Along with that was boundaries on beach days (e.g., between this umbrella, that life guard tower, etc.) before anyone got in the water and always at least one of us w/eyes on. Final was DO NOT turn your back on the ocean! He got free reign as long as responsible.
StrangeOne 3 months ago
Tbf, In some cases it's not about swimming, but being caught in a strong undertow, or caught in weeds. Happened to a man who swam out to the middle of a manmade lake beach. There was a ton of debris and lakeweed not far from the surface of the water he got ensnared in.
TMTMTMTM 3 months ago
But not learning how to swim is not going to improve your chances if you accidentally end up in deep enough water.
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Apatheist Account2 3 months ago
I can't hold my breath underwater due to an inner ear problem :(
Ashtophet 3 months ago
I have terrible vision without my glasses and can’t stand getting water in my ears. I really dislike being submerged…
Load More Replies... #7
Probably simple car stuff. Changing a tire, battery cables, jump starting etc etc... You would be surprised how many people can't do those things and how often those are your most common problems!
Scott Rackley 3 months ago
Buying a jump pack is 10 times better than cables. They run $50 or less and you can jump start your car when no one else is there.
Jrog 3 months ago (edited)
You still need know how to use cables to use a jump pack. If you don't know: 1) Red goes on the correct battery terminal first; then 2) black goes on the chassis, NOT on the terminal (to avoid risk of hydrogen flame if sh*t goes south). 3) Reverse for removal. Mixing up the order can create risk of shorts or damage your car electronics.
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J J 3 months ago (edited)
Wearing headphones covering both ears while driving. You need to hear traffic. You need to hear emergency service vehicles. You need to hear changes in your vehicle for maintenance issues.
Boris Long-Johnson 3 months ago
Tell that to deaf people! Whilst I agree it’s helpful and you shouldn’t wear headphones, you don’t NEED to hear. I’ve worn noise cancelling earbuds when driving a Landrover long distance else after 6 hours your ears are bleeding for example.
Load More Replies... Peter Bear 3 months ago
This was better advice 20 years ago. Cars are rapidly getting so complicated that even these very basic tasks are all but impossible for the average person.
Paul C. 3 months ago
Twenty year old guy at my work was standing staring at his cars flat tyre. I went over and he was about to ring a local garage to come out to change it.Would probably cost £80 or so. I said I'd do it and show him how easy it is. Took about fifteen minutes and while I was doing it a few others came over to watch. Hopefully it could save them money down the years.
Brian Garcia 3 months ago
I would add...need to monitor your spare tire pressure just like the main tires; last thing you want is to change out to your spare (full size or donut) and find it low.
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Uncle Panda 3 months ago
I sat in a parking lot and watched a guy, who very clearly did not want advice, loosen and then re-tighten the nut on a battery cable by flipping the wrench over in between each side. He went through 5+ cycles before he worked it out. Later, I gave myself a treat for the restraint it took to be quiet.
#8
How to sharpen a knife.
Ace 3 months ago
Using a stone like the picture is not the simple skill you need here, thirty seconds with a steel is all it takes to bring back a good edge. Just do it often so the knife never gets truly blunt.
Auntriarch 3 months ago
Stone? Ruddy luxury! My nan used to sharpen her knife on the back step
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nottheactualphoto 3 months ago
Sharpening a knife on a stone like that is a "mad skill," as we used to say. It's supposedly the best way, but I've never been able to master it. I use a $10 "Accu-Sharp" which gives good results.
Uncle Panda 3 months ago
I've taught knife sharpening to maybe a dozen cooks. They know their knives are dull but lack the knowledge. I give each one a $10 ceramic knife sharpening tool from Amazon and teach them to use it and spend most of the time teaching them to use the sharpening steel every time they pull a clean knife out of the block.
Jrog 3 months ago
Screw that, I just put knives in the dishwasher and resharpen them every month when they start to get a bit dull. Even sharpening them twice a month there would be enough steel to last more than a lifetime.
Load More Replies... #9
1. CPR training 2. Fire extinguisher training 3. Swimming/floating.
StrangeOne 3 months ago (edited)
P.A.S.S. Everyone know what that stands for? Point. Aim. Squeeze. Sweep.
Edgar Rops 3 months ago
CPR is mandatory for drivers license, gun permit etc. where I live, but most people forget all about it as soon as they pass.
#10
Some basic civics. Understanding how your government actually works and is structured will save you alot of frustration and anger. It might even save you from going down dangerous roads with your ideas.
There are usually pretty good reasons why things work the way they do, even though things might seem slow and inefficient at times.
Verena 3 months ago
Yes, it usually works, unless some genius finds a loophole and takes advantage of it instead of plugging it. Street lighting, safe roads, potable water from all taps in your home, waste collection, sewage, to name some basic ones.
Load More Replies... #11
First Aid. There are plenty of options to learn and imo should be refreshed once a year if possible because some stuff changes.
#12
I'd say spending 10 hours learning how your computer works will pay off forever. So many people are unaware how their machines work.
Anonymouse 3 months ago
Whan I was doing PC support, after telling someone to turn off their computer - and realizing they turned off the monitor. So many people have no clue about how the pieces that make up a computer interact with each other.
Apatheist Account2 3 months ago
Reminds me of an old support story where the IT guy asks "Can the computer see the printer?" and gets the response "Yes, I've turned the screen so it can see it now..."
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Apatheist Account2 3 months ago
I spent 40 years learning computers, more than a dozen different programming languages, and I'm sure there's stuff I still don't know. You won't get very far in 10 hours.
Peter Bear 3 months ago
You will if you spend those 10 hours focusing on the things that you actually use the computer for 90% of the time. Targeted learning.
Load More Replies... #13
Questioning EVERYTHING
Whenever you need to make a decision, spend a few minutes playing "Devils Advocate" with yourself. Especially if it's something trivial or a "no brainer"
Make it a fun yet challenging game of Who/What/When/Where/How/Why against your alter ego.
You'll learn an absolute ton about your good and bad qualities, your habits, thought processes, etc. You'll also naturally learn how to phrase questions/opposing views as inquisitive, instead of abbrasive or combative.
That kind of honest and earnest self reflection will eventually affect absolutely everything in your life.
Most of my greatest lifestyle changes came from questioning things that I otherwise would've never given a second thought.
On the other side of things: Constantly questioning how/why everyday objects work, will give you an extremely well rounded foundation of transferrable/relatable knowledge. If you can't work it out on your own, google it.
If you ever find yourself in a conversation about something you haven't explored, use the opportunity to apply the same line of questions you debate yourself with. People love it when someone is open and curious about something they're passionate about.
Eventually you'll be able to relate to anyone or anything, at any time. Conversations become deeper and meaningful, your connection to people becomes stronger, and sometimes you come across hidden passions.
Apatheist Account2 3 months ago
But, following the logic, when you come to an answer, you'll question it, so you'll never get anything done...
Joshua Santiago 3 months ago
I agree, id like to add, people will hate you at first or some short amount of time for the excessive question. That's because they too have not made the effort to think about it and figure things out. However, that's ok as it will lead them to be curious and raise themselves even by a small margin. Now, back to the point, don't stop (slowing down is allowed) this is all for your own growth and betterment. Ask questions and be curious.
AuspiciousTree283 3 months ago
It is good to question, but, unfortunately, some people will hate you for it. It's fun and it helps you learn, but it's not popular.
#14
Basic finance literacy stuff such as budgeting, mortgages, negotiations, taxes, investing etc.
I'd argue that just by knowing and understanding these, one can improve his/her quality of life significantly.
StrangeOne 3 months ago (edited)
Investing I'm scared about. I learned about it in Consumer Math in HS. The biggest take I got from it is there are low, mid, to high risk ways to invest money. The stock market is high risk. If investing in something that has a risk there's a chance to lose your money, only invest what you can sleep on. Meaning, what you can afford to lose without dire consequences. But the alluring part of high risk investments is there's a chance for a higher return (I hope I'm using the right term.). So people tend to go with the higher risk investment strategy rather than the low risk, with lower profit margins. From stories I've heard, you need to find someone very knowledgeable and trustworthy, which is a gamble no matter what. To invest in other places, like shareholders, there's still risk. There's perks. But there's also the hit to your ethical values when the all the shareholders agree to cut a company's expenditures on labour just to make more of a profit.
SM 3 months ago
That is why it is best to go with index funds (Mutual Funds or ETFs). That way you aren't investing in just one company that might go out of business. But you also have to have a long enough time horizon since the market can go through times where it swings negative. It should be money that you won't need for 5 years.
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Stardust she/her 3 months ago
Why does the woman in the photo remind me of my old hindi teacher?
Auntriarch 3 months ago
Maybe she is, moonlighting as a model for stock photos 😂
Load More Replies... Andrew Keir 3 months ago
Essential to know that you're chasing inflation, not just building up a heap of money. If your total wealth doesn't increase by at least inflation, you lost ... and, some years, you will lose. Deal with it.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
Sorry to be combative, Peter Bear, but this can be a major mistake. If you're saying "avoid 'playing the market' and daily changes, I'd agree wholeheartedly; but money put into an ETF of well-known businesses, with either a steady dividend or firms that re-invest their profits into doing more of the business they understand, will only grow in the middle to long term. Look at Berkshire Hathaway for an example of this.
Load More Replies... #15
How to stretch your body specifically.
Danielle Hardesty 3 months ago
I looked at that picture too long, need help getting up off the floor now.
Upstaged75 3 months ago
I can't even figure out how she managed to do that.
Load More Replies... Chaos Pandas Unite 3 months ago
lol, I think they mean know your own body’s needs/quirks), like do you tend to be overall tight or loose, what parts tend to get particularly tight or need extra care, are there particular moves that give you and your nervous system a lot of benefit (or the opposite, certain moves that aggravate or don’t work well for your body and it’s history)…
Load More Replies... #16
Tying proper knots depending on the application.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
At lest learn the bowline - it's the second-best knot for anything! You can tie two ropes together with two bowlines, for instance
#17
I’d say learning how to communicate clearly - especially writing short, structured emails/messages. It doesn’t take long to practice, but clear communication makes you stand out at work, saves endless misunderstandings, and builds respect. It’s underrated because it feels obvious, but it really pays dividends for life.
Bartlet for world domination 3 months ago
If there's no way to avoid addressing more items than one in a message, number them.
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#18
Learn to type numbers without looking. I got twice as fast in about an hour. Plenty of online tutorials. .
StrangeOne 3 months ago
It's weird knowing where all the letters and numbers are without even thinking about it. It becomes muscle memory, I guess.
SM 3 months ago
Yes, that is exact it. And as you progress it expands to "small words", to people that get really good at it really are just thinking the words or even phrases and the rest is automatic. That is why they can get really fast at it. Personally, I never got over 40 words per minute, but that is plenty good enough for most things. "Small words" like "it" and "the" have a certain feel. Didn't learn that though in just 10 hours.
Load More Replies... Peter Bear 3 months ago
I'm probably among the last generation that was actually taught touch-typing in school. I hated it at the time but now I'm incredibly grateful for it. I type very quickly and with very few mistakes.
#19
Basic sign language.
Whenever I meet a deaf customer they're always so happy that I know it. Especially because I wear a mask most of the time.
Rali Meyer 3 months ago
here is a missed opportunity: sign language could be the same in every country
Auntriarch 3 months ago
I was going to learn but then I discovered there's more than one, even in the same country. So I wimped out.
Load More Replies... #20
Learning a sewing machine, it takes a while to figure out proper tension. However, once you’re over that hump, you’ll be able to fix your own clothes, make gifts, curtains, blankets, clothes, costumes, the world is your oyster.
#21
Small talk. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but you never know who you’ll meet or what they know. When I first moved overseas i had a small talk w some dude and he told me all the roads to avoid at night, how to use contactless payments, bus routes and which shop has the cheapest and best kebabs.
Joshua Santiago 3 months ago
Alternatively, small talks can be used for dating. Something to fill the gaps and avoid awkward silence.
Rali Meyer 3 months ago
okay, so above are useful examples of small talk. What is big talk then?
Pferdchen 3 months ago (edited)
What is the meaning of life? What does it mean to live a good life? How can we prevent the self-destruction of our country and humanity?
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#22
Zipper repair:
Most tents and sleeping bags at festivals only are discarded because of slightly buggy zips.
#23
If you run a business I’d say calling people back.
Rali Meyer 3 months ago
I live in a province where the one who calls me back gets the contract
#24
Touch typing is a crucial skill that you can master in under 10 hours, delivering lifelong benefits. It boosts productivity, reduces strain, and sharpens focus across all professions. By typing faster, you’ll save valuable time every day, adding up to thousands of hours over the years. Invest in this skill now for lasting advantages!
Scott Rackley 3 months ago
True touch typing isn't something you're going to master in 10 hours.
Peter Bear 3 months ago
Well let's see... when I took it in school (and yes, I'm that old) it was a portion of our computer class. That class was 40 minutes, five days a week. Maybe half of it was touch-typing, the other half was other stuff, so that's 20 minutes a day, or one hour a week of actually practicing. So... ten weeks to do ten hours, which is two and a half months. I rather think you'd be quite proficient in that time at those rates.
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Ace 3 months ago
There are other ways of typing that can be almost as fast and don't require a specific hand position. I look at the keys, not the screen, and self-correct as I'm typing without looking up. Touch typing is a relic of pre-computer typewriters, really not needed any more. I dont write s much as I used to, but back in the day could type accurately, including corrections, at 50 wpm no problem.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
This works well if you don't aCCIDENTLLY HIT THE CAPS KEY
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Brian Droste 3 months ago
I know how to type but not very good at it. I learned to type in high school long before we have all these electronic devices.
#25
Learning to speak without saying um, uh and so on. It will make you sound way more confident and well spoken, even if the content of what you're saying has not improved.
Lost Panda 3 months ago
In Airman Leadership School, they told us to clear your throat or cover your mouth like you're supressing a burp. Still a verbal pause, but less noticeable than "um".
Ace 3 months ago
Forgive me, please, but I can't help but laugh at the existence of something called Airman Leadership School...
Load More Replies... Mark Childers 3 months ago
All it took for me was to listen to a recording of my voice after someone asked me a question I didn't understand and couldn't get her to explain in a way I could understand. I had to listen to my own voice explaining things and saying "um" every few words. I made it a point to not do i again, and it's worked. Once you become aware of it, you're able to control it.
Joshua Santiago 3 months ago
Id like to add, avoid consistent use of the word basically or anything with a -lly. There's many words you can use and alternatives. Practice and keep using it on a conversation or whatever event your in. This will help and improve your speech and how to be well spoken kind of person.
Ace 3 months ago
Pot. Kettle. Black. I'm guessing English is not your first language.
Load More Replies... GalPalAl 3 months ago
And when you need to learn to enunciate (say or talk clearly your words, put a cork in your mouth between your teeth and talk.
#26
Basic hygiene and fashion
Maybe sounds unnecessary (primarily the fashion part) but looking nice can help out a lot in surprising ways. It doesn't have to be anything crazy either, but learning basic fashion and color matching can help you look more appealing with near any level of budget. Even if it's just subconscious, nice matching colors and good hygiene helps how others see you. Plus the mental boost of looking nice and feeling clean is good.
Hygiene because being clean helps cover some mental and physical health issues before they even come up (I.E. healthy body and better self esteem).
LillieMean 3 months ago
A wardrobe that works together in style and color saves time and looks like you have your marbles together even if you don't. Dressing stylishly with your own personal touch is quite affordable with used clothes, which means you can get really high-quality pieces. I have conducted a few social experiments as a writer on how dressing affects the treatment and service you receive. The most infuriating thing was when the doctor claimed that I couldn't possibly be depressed because I was neatly dressed and had clean hair, even though that is the absolute minimum for me to cope. I also said that and also how a professional can form such an opinion in ten minutes.
Pferdchen 3 months ago
Despite what many of us were taught as children, looks definitely matter. It may not be fair or just, but it's true. Still, I'm grateful that my mother taught me that looks don't matter in the context of the Civil Rights movement in 1960s America. Unfortunately, now the government openly embraces racism 😥
Hassel Davidhoff 3 months ago
Every piece of clothing I own is black. Works well. I never think about any of this c**p.
Joshua Santiago 3 months ago
Basic hygiene yes! lets not bring back the plague please its 2025.
#27
Biking.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
Best learn while you're young, with less distance to fall and bendier bones, I agree
#28
How to lift heavy s**t safely. Don't lift with your back! Use your arms and legs, they're stronger, a lot less susceptible to injury, and easier to fix.
Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
The other day we had a truck to unload by hand/hand truck. Amazed that everyone else were carrying 2 20# sacks of beans in front, cradling with their arms. I put one on each shoulder and carry.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
But the others sat down and watched you, quietly learning their lesson...? And did you learn yours?
Load More Replies... #29
Tying a tie
Learning the NATO alphabet.
StrangeOne 3 months ago
The NATO alphabet? Like, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, etc? We called it the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Jrog 3 months ago (edited)
Nope, two different things. The NATO Alphabet -or more correctly the "International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet" since it's used by other organizations other than Nato- is used to clarify transmission of single letters using codewords. The IPA is a system of codified symbols used to convey the sounds of phonemes, and is typically found on dictionaries. "THING" in NATO Alphabet would be "Tango-Hotel-India-November-Golf", in IPA would be " /ˈθɪŋ/ ". Pretty different.
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 3 months ago
Who wears ties these days? Haven't seen one in an office for years.
Peter Bear 3 months ago
Tying a tie is a useless relic that is rightfully being phased out as new generations begin to understand that it serves no purpose other than to inconvenience us and render us less comfortable.
Michael Largey 3 months ago
A tie announces to people that you're the kind of guy that wears a tie.
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#30
Bodyweight Exercises and Stretching
If able, with 30 minutes every other day at least, a consistent bodyweight workout will make later life much easier, promote better body health habits all around, and it’s free fitness.
Peter Bear 3 months ago
Heck, start with 10 and work up. Even a little effort is better than no effort, and by a not insignificant amount!
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Joshua Santiago 3 months ago
Include walking, good short walks always helps cause its also cardio and burning fat.
#31
To play chess, dominoes or mahjong, and a few card games like poker, rummy, bridge, etc.
You won’t play very well, but you can then join a game without being totally lost. There are a lot of games people never play just because they’ve never played them.
spacer 3 months ago
my brain shuts off every time someone tries to teach me poker, at this point its a lost cause
Auntriarch 3 months ago
My brain shuts off when anyone mentions card games. Unless it's Cards Against Humanity.
Load More Replies... Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
In MIchigan, the game is Euchre. I played professionally..on breaks and lunches at work.
Papa 3 months ago
In my early 20's I supplemented my income playing Moon (a domino game).
Load More Replies... Boris Long-Johnson 3 months ago
I remember spending many a wet day in a caravan on holiday playing “hunt the cùnt” with my parents.
#32
Manual transmission (if you want to drive in europe).
Lost Panda 3 months ago
Here in Japan you have to test for a MT license. I got mine, but now I can't find a MT vehicle that doesn't cost an arm and leg XD
Boris Long-Johnson 3 months ago
Same as UK - if you take a test in an auto you’re limited to auto only. At least for now (EVs etc are killing new manual cars so I expect the gov to eventually change the rules).
Load More Replies... Peter Bear 3 months ago
If you only drive manual, you're an outdated relic. See what I did there? Sweeping insults like you used aren't cool.
Load More Replies... Rali Meyer 3 months ago
for my generation it's a given. Amazing how it became such a lost "art"
#33
Filing your taxes.
WindySwede 3 months ago (edited)
Learn from Sweden, they will [tell] you how much (if you have no changes).
#34
For western folks, learning to use chopsticks well.
Uncle Panda 3 months ago
I can use chopsticks with either hand, which makes everybody mad for some reason.
Ace 3 months ago (edited)
Why? I mean, I can use them, have travelled extensively, and of course you need to be able to show off when dining out, but fundamentally a knife and fork used correctly is a better and easier way of eating.
Joe Publique 3 months ago
Absolutley 100% incorrect. Eating noodles, dumplings, etc, is far easier and more convenient with chopsticks than with a knife and fork.
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Sam Trudeau 3 months ago
Sometimes authenticity can be part of the experience.
Load More Replies... #35
How to floss.
Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
Never used to, until the dentist provided me with a 5 pack of floss picks. Those things are great, buy them by the 100 ct now.!
StrangeOne 3 months ago
My dentist showed me how without slicing into my gums. You trace around the gum line. I still find it difficult to floss around my molars. I do the best I can though.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
I've already lost two fillings by over-enthusiastic use of floss. Water-picks, however ...
Load More Replies... #36
Learning how to properly filet a chicken/fish. It takes a few attempts to "nail" it, but once you learn the trick, and it really takes less than 10 hours, it becomes a massive money saver in the long run when preparing food at home.
Chicken especially, as most of the cost revolving around it has to do with the "service" of cutting and filleting. Once you learn that yourself, you spare a hefty amount of money, and get yourself a nice amount of food for a lot more days than just buying pre-cut stuff.
Also, not that time consuming. Takes about 10 mins for chicken, even less so for a fish.
#37
Knitting. Not only do you get to make your own clothing and accessories, it’s a de-stressor as well!
Auntriarch 3 months ago
Definitely crochet - you've only got one stitch to drop!
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#38
10 sec version of your question.
Ctrl+backspace deletes the entire previous word.
Percentages are reversible, 8% of 25 is the same as 25% of 8, but one is much easier.
General Anaesthesia 3 months ago (edited)
In Windows: Ctrl+Backspace deletes to the left from the cursor to the beginning of the word. Ctrl+Del deletes to the right from the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
#39
Use your mouse left handed. It takes maybe 30 minutes and will save you from wrist pain for your entire life if you use the computer a lot.
LillieMean 3 months ago
This is one of the few things where a left-hander wins. Many mice are designed for right-handed people, so the side buttons force me to use the mouse with my right hand. At the same time, I can type with my left hand, either on the keyboard, on post-it notes or on my phone, at the best of times my left was left free for an attention-seeking cat. I keep scrolling and answering the phone. I am unstoppable, adaptable.
Auntriarch 3 months ago
Don't use an ordinary mouse that you have to grip, get a handshoe type if you can. Trackballs worked for me as well, and you can swap hands with them.
Ace 3 months ago
When I worked at a desk all day I used to alternate to avoid RSI. For quite a long time I had two machines, one desktop ( used for testing stuff, so may need a different OS/Build) and one laptop (+docking station) so I would have the mouse pad in between the two keyboards and switch hands as necessary.
Bartlet for world domination 3 months ago
I used to have wrist and shoulder trouble, then I got a Wacom pen tablet, no more trouble, then I moved from behind a desk to bed and couch with a laptop, and now I just lean back and put the mouse next to me on the couch. Haven't been injured in 25 years of screen work.
Stardust she/her 3 months ago
I learnt how do that just so that I could listen to music during my online exams
#40
Learning the alphabet backwards. Helps when sorting things, and also in sobriety tests.
JL 3 months ago
If you sit at home practicing the alphabet backwards to pass sobriety tests, you have a drinking problem.
Andrew Keir 3 months ago
Or , you have no friends and little skill at picking hobbies ;-)
Load More Replies... Joe Publique 3 months ago (edited)
Fun Fact: The alphabet, ordered alphabetically, is: H R A B Q D W F L M N S X E I G J K O P C T U V Y Z.
#41
Finger whistle, without using your fingers.
Captain Kakapo 3 months ago
whistles are cheap... buy one if you are so much into maikng noise (also I know it is useful in some extreme situations)
#42
How to build a PC. It's really easy and will save you money if you ever need to change anything.
Jrog 3 months ago (edited)
Used to be true, nowadays I have some doubts. Proliferation of standards, really expensive components with unclear limitations of compatibility, miniaturization making installation of CPUs much more delicate, cards with high power requirements that are prone to failures if not connected perfectly... Factor in that prices to customers are much higher than wholesale prices to professionals. I stopped building my PCs myself when I realized that I was doing the work, taking the risks, and in the end the price would be about the same. Small jobs like memory and disk upgrades, no problems, but setting up case, CPU and MoBo, not worth the hassle.
nicholas nolan 3 months ago
And unless you're out at the ragged edges of thing, I haven't found a set of parts for me to build that's significantly cheaper than buying a prebuilt.
Load More Replies...
Peter Bear 3 months ago
Nope, never played the 'perpetual upgrade machine' game and never will. I buy a computer that does what I want it to out of the box, run it until it can't run the things I want to do anymore, then buy a new on. On average, I've gotten about a 7 year lifespan, give or take a bit.
Ace 3 months ago
Old skills no longer relevant. Desktop machines are pretty much dead as a concept these days anyway, outside of specialist applications (yes, I know lots of gamers still use them).
WindySwede 3 months ago
Photographers, video editing, cad, gis, and I would guess lots more reasons. Cheaper for same specs, and better airflow for less noise. Not my dv.
Load More Replies... #43
It took me a couple of hours to learn how to whistle with my tongue.
This method is by far the loudest noise I can make without much effort.
So loud in fact that I can give myself tinnitus.
#44
Sudoku. The logic you use in it can be translated to real life.
Earonn - 3 months ago
It teaches you how to make logical conclusions. If a = x and b = y then c must be z. Or for example if the candidate is a rap/ist and the candidate says he doesn't give a sh/t about his voters, then it would be unwise to vote for him. Lots of people failed on that simple task.
Load More Replies... #45
Playing the ukulele.
Grab one online, and get one of those little clippy tuning thingys for cheap and my personal recommendation grab some felt picks too. They won't catch on the strings as much as plastic picks or your nails.
In 30 mins, you'll know at least 3 chords. A couple of hours practise and the 'island strum' becomes second nature.
Once you know C, G, F and Am (the hardest one is G, but still not hard), there are loads of songs you can play. Learn E7, and then you can play the classic 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'. I'm still struggling with the straight E chord though, but thats universally know as a bigger to learn
I tried to learn guitar years ago, but the metal strings were too painful (Uke strings are plastic). I can't sing, learned a tiny bit of keyboard when I was in school - Enough to play 'Mary had a little lamb' with one hand and not much more - point is, I'm generally not a very musical person, but within a week of trying to learn for an hour or so per day, I could bumble through 'I'm yours - Jason Mraz' and 'Riptide - Vance Joy'.
Apatheist Account2 3 months ago (edited)
What exactly is the "maximum result" of playing a ukulele?
#46
Rubik cube, even the 3x3.
Stardust she/her 3 months ago
As someone who has many cubes, I wouldn’t really say it’s an essential skill but it is kind of fun
#47
Welding. Not a certified awesome welder, but 10 hours of instruction and practice would make you good enough to weld most things.
Captain Kakapo 3 months ago
also purchase equipment and some special clothing... this is exactly an activity of "beter hire a pro" type
Jrog 3 months ago
It depends. If your hobby requires some metalworking (car modding, biking, RV outdoors, metal art, furniture/lamp making... even BBQing), welding is an essential skill and hiring a pro gets really expensive really fast. The "special clothing" is just a leather overall, fireproof pants and arm covers, plus a mask. It will set you back 100€, about as much as the welding machine, but they are really long lasting. The skills you can pick up in a day, and sharpen over time.
Load More Replies... Scott Rackley 3 months ago
Depends. 10 hours? MIG, probably, maybe. Stick? No. TIG? No way in hell.
Jrog 3 months ago
Learned to stick weld at 16 in an afternoon... not really difficult, and until recently it was the only viable steel welding method for DIY. Nowadays, with MIG machines being really easy to use not needing gas anymore it's a no-brainer to switch for quality of life reasons. TIG has a high entry bar in terms of required skill and cost.
Load More Replies... Rali Meyer 3 months ago
well, most things? Perhaps some burglar bars and a fence, or window frames
#48
Changing your own brakes. Will save you a ton of money and you can make a ton of money on the side.
Once you get good at it, with the correct tools, you can do em in 15-30 minutes.
Learn rotors while you’re at it and make even more.
Rali Meyer 3 months ago
sorry, 40-years of wrenching here. Yes, do it for yourself, but not for others.
Jrog 3 months ago (edited)
Another one that allows minimal savings and comes with a ton of hassles. At least, here where the price for mechanics is not US-crazy. Just the fact that you will be working on your car on jacks instead of a proper lift it's a safety issue. Then you will need clamps and sometimes specific tools to replace the pads, hoping everything comes out and goes on smoothly, if it doesn't you will be stuck with a non-functional car and will have the opportunity to do some expensive damage. Once you factor in the replacement parts, that you will buy at full price and without dealer's discount, it's not so enticing anymore.
Ace 3 months ago
Naah, this is not something you want to take risks with. You really need a proper workshop and a whole range of specialist tools, and even then it will normally take much longer than that. Done it on motorbikes a few times, easily accessible, no need for jacks, lifts, pits, but even then it's a tricky job better left to the professionals IMO.
Michael Largey 3 months ago
I'd rather rely on my mechanic. My wife was his third grade teacher, so he knows what kind of trouble he'd be in if he messed up.
#49
Juggling. Not really important in life but absolutely fun to do whenever you have a bunch of similar objects laying around.
Michael Largey 3 months ago
When I audited taxes, I met many jugglers, but few successful ones. (That's why I met them, in fact.)
#50
Learning to read Korean.
The caveat is that you need to understand Korean in order for it to be useful.
StrangeOne 3 months ago (edited)
If you live in Canada, these are the languages to learn to open many opportunities: English, French (Specifically, Canadian French), Ukrainian, Tagalog, Hindi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Punjabi, Polish, Hebrew, American sign language. There are probably others I can't of at the top of my head. But these are the languages I come across a majority of the time and see job listings looking for people who are fluent.
#51
I once listened to a 6 hour podcast about etfs, learned all that I needed to know about it.
#52
Getting in the credit card game. Having a simple set up of cards covering groceries, dining and everything else even for something simple like cash back will pay you thousands without changing any of your spend habits + makes your credit score go up nicely as long as you pay off. Maybe a little longer for the travel game but not that crazy as long as you’re not trying to balance a bunch of different card providers (only use 2).
StrangeOne 3 months ago (edited)
NO! HORRIBLE ADVICE. If you're like me, have credit gives the illusion you have more money than you do. It's easy to go over budget. Groceries are costing so much these days that any spare money I can muster will keep me from having to put anything back. Unless you're really diligent and financially disciplined, and you know you're not going to run into any sticky financial setbacks. stick with the money you earn. Not borrowed.
Ace 3 months ago
I've had credit cards (always at least one, only rarely more than that) for forty-odd years but have always (well, except for one unfortunate period when I was very young...) paid them off in full each month. Using them as a short-term loan is a fools game. Juggling them like the OP is suggesting may work in some countries where cash-back schemes are common, but it's a lot of work or a meagre return.
Load More Replies... Peter Bear 3 months ago
How to use a credit card: As little as humanly possible. The system is designed to put you in debt and keep you there.
Pferdchen 3 months ago
(American) I pay for virtually everything with a credit card, and pay them off in full every month. The cash back rewards are nice, reducing the cost of everything by 2% or so. They provide a mechanism to detect and dispute fraudulent charges. In this day and age, there's no way I'm handing over my debit card or checking account number to anybody else.
Brian Droste 3 months ago
You don't need to use credit cards or keep a balance on them to up your score. As long as they are open your credit score will increase. U have about b ten. I usually only use one a month and usually pay it off within a few days.
Verena 3 months ago
The only "good" credit score we get here in Europe is, when avoiding debt as much as possible. People have usually one Credit Card, for unavoidable cases like flying or rental cars. They have to be balanced every month. All other payments are done by cash (seldom), debit card coming with your bank account, or app or other type of wireless.
nicholas nolan 3 months ago
Yeah, we got f****d over here back in the 80s with this credit score scam, so now we have to deal with it forever.
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
NancyandCharlie Miller 3 months ago
Pet first aid is also extremely useful, and most courses are done over a weekend (so maybe a bit more than 10 hours, but definitely useful if you have pets!).
NancyandCharlie Miller 3 months ago
Pet first aid is also extremely useful, and most courses are done over a weekend (so maybe a bit more than 10 hours, but definitely useful if you have pets!).
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