9 Life Skills Minnesota’s Gen Z Is Skipping—And We’re All Paying the Price

PSA: We’re about to talk about something that might ruffle a few feathers—skills Gen Z doesn’t really want to learn.

Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, but there are some pretty important life skills that a lot of young Minnesotan folks today are just… skipping.

And honestly? It’s kind of making life harder for everyone.

From struggling with face-to-face convos to not knowing how to manage money, these gaps are causing some real issues.

Thinking for Oneself

Google has some amazing qualities, no doubt. But relying on it for everything means a lot of Gen Zers aren’t flexing their critical thinking muscles enough.

When problems come up that don’t have an easy answer, some youngsters freeze instead of figuring it out.

And that’s a problem, especially in jobs where problem-solving is literally what they’re getting paid to do.

Employers are always looking for people who can think on their feet.

If you can’t break down a problem and come up with a solution without watching a five-minute YouTube tutorial, it’s going to be a tough ride in the working world.

Actually Useful Tech Skills

Sure, Gen Z can dominate TikTok and snap a perfect selfie in 0.2 seconds, but ask them to troubleshoot a Wi-Fi issue or use Excel, and things get real messy.

A survey found that 35% of project managers think Gen Z lacks important tech skills beyond social media.

That’s a problem when tech is taking over so many industries.

No one’s saying everyone needs to learn to code (there’s AI for that now anyway), but knowing basic things like how to use spreadsheets, manage files, or fix simple tech issues can save so much time (and embarrassment).

Plus, those skills can make a difference between a Gen Zer getting a job and getting ignored.

Cooking Basic Meals (Without a Microwave)

Look, we all love a good DoorDash splurge, but if your idea of “cooking” is microwaving ramen or throwing frozen nuggets in the air fryer, we have a problem.

A lot of Gen Z just doesn’t know how to make basic meals, and that’s leading to some pretty bad eating (and spending) habits.

Cooking isn’t just about making fancy meals—it’s about knowing how to feed yourself without relying on takeout 24/7.

Not knowing how to cook means spending way too much money on food and missing out on healthier, cheaper options.

The good news? Cooking is way easier than it looks (at least for us older folks). Learn a few basics—how to make pasta, cook eggs, or grill a simple chicken breast—and Gen Z is already ahead of the game.

Plus, nothing impresses a date like knowing how to make a solid homemade meal.

Fixing Basic Stuff Around the House

Ever had a leaky faucet, a wobbly chair, or a lightbulb that needed changing and thought, eh, I’ll just wait for someone else to fix it?

You’re not alone if you’re young; a lot of Gen Zers never learned basic home maintenance skills, which means calling a handyman (or just living with the problem) for stuff that takes five minutes to fix.

The truth is, knowing how to do small repairs can save you a ton of money and frustration.

You don’t need to be a full-blown handyman (or handywoman), but learning to unclog a drain, patch a hole in the wall, or reset a tripped breaker can make life so much easier.

And let’s be real—there’s something weirdly satisfying about fixing something yourself instead of calling your dad for help.

Talking to People (Like, in Person)

We all love a good text convo, but when it comes to talking to someone face-to-face, a lot of Gen Z would rather do, well, anything else.

According to a study, 65% of Gen Zers say they struggle with in-person conversations in work settings.

That’s a huge deal because no matter how digital our world gets, people still have to, you know, talk to each other.

Not knowing how to communicate well can mess up job interviews, friendships, and even just everyday stuff like ordering at a restaurant without pointing at the menu like a caveman or cavewoman.

Plus, bosses love employees who can clearly express their ideas. So, the better Gen Z gets at this, the smoother life will be for all of us.

Handling Money Like an Adult

Let’s be real—money can be confusing, especially since many schools in the U.S. don’t teach basic finance. But pretending it doesn’t exist is even worse.

A lot of Gen Zers have no idea how to budget, save, or invest, and that’s leading to some serious financial stress.

It doesn’t help that many parents struggle with personal finance themselves, so their kids end up winging it… and racking up debt.

The thing is, money problems don’t just disappear. If Gen Z doesn’t get the basics down now, it’s way harder to fix later.

Learning how to handle credit cards, understand taxes, and actually save some cash can make life way less stressful in the long run for Gen Z and society as a whole.

Making Friends and Not Being Awkward

Social skills aren’t just for extroverts. A lot of Gen Z struggles with networking, teamwork, and just making small talk in general.

Since so much of life happens online, talking to new people can feel weird for some young folks. But whether it’s for making friends, dating, or work, knowing how to connect with others is a game-changer.

The best way to get better?

Practice. Join clubs, go to events, force yourself into a few social situations (even if it’s a little awkward at first).

The more Gen Z does it, the easier it gets. And honestly, strong social skills can often take them further than even the best résumé.

Rolling with the Punches

Life is unpredictable, but not everyone knows how to handle curveballs. A lot of Gen Z has grown up with instant answers and quick fixes, so when things don’t go according to plan, stress levels shoot through the roof.

But the world changes fast, and knowing how to adapt is key to surviving.

As older Americans well know, resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

So, learning how to deal with setbacks, handle stress, and keep pushing forward is one of the most important skills Gen Z can gain.

Managing Time (Instead of Letting It Manage You)

Let’s be honest—procrastination is a huge problem for much of Gen Z. With constant notifications and endless entertainment, it’s easy to get distracted.

But bad time management doesn’t just make Gen Z late for stuff; it can seriously mess with their job, relationships, and mental health.

If Gen Z can figure out how to stay on top of things, they’ll be way ahead of the game. Simple tricks like setting timers, making to-do lists, or using calendar apps can make a massive difference.

Plus, good time management = less stress = more time to actually enjoy life.

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