Episode: 356

Episode Title: The Life Skills Gap

We hear about the skills gap all the time, but what about the life skills gap that many young people face? Let’s talk about it, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 356 show:

Welcome to a new week on The Perna Syndicate! I’m your host Mark Perna, and I’m thrilled you’re tuning in today to hear about the skills gap no one is talking about. I’m referring to the life skills gap that many young people are experiencing as they start living independently. 

Many of us in older generations take life skills for granted. For example, it’s normal for many of us to meal plan, to pay the bills on time, et cetera. But for many young people, these skills aren’t instinctive. Classes like home economics and personal finance aren’t being taught in school anymore. And it’s hurting the next generation.

You may have heard the term “adulting.” It’s meant to be humorous, but also indicate how hard it is to keep up with the responsibilities that come with adulthood. This can be anything from scheduling regular dentist appointments to keeping up with the laundry. 

Adulting has come to mean anything that adults have to do, that kids don’t. It’s where you really take ownership of your own life and make your own day-to-day decisions. Sadly, many young people don’t feel confident or equipped to deal with the real world on that level. 

So why should the rest of us care if the next generation can bridge their life skills gap or not? Well, for one thing, there will be significant consequences for society if we don’t. The anxiety of not knowing how to navigate the real world can have a tremendous impact on a person’s mental health. 

This week, we’re going to look at the various areas where young people just don’t feel ready to cope with adult responsibilities—and how those of us in older generations can come alongside to help. Take care and we’ll see you back here tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate.