Author: Shanya Evans
Having a tradable skillset sets you apart from your peers. Not only does it increase your employability prospects, it makes you stand out. Personal development should be an ongoing process. We tend to get so comfortable in our positions that we neglect to work towards improving our quality of life. Assess your current skills and your potential for advancement. There is always room for growth. What’s holding you back from doing that thing you’ve wanted to for so long? Your reason for wanting to pick up a skill may be different from someone else’s.
What you do share in common, however, is the need for a slight push.
Here’s why:
1. Makes you marketable.
A diversified skill set helps you stand out and makes you an asset to any company. As professionals or budding professionals you know how competitive the world is becoming. Don't remain comfortable with simply your job or your career. Whether or not you're employed you should use your spare time wisely and engage in something that will be sure to boost your value to your organisation, society and to yourself. That is something employers would gladly pay you for. Managers hire individuals that are able to manage themselves and utilise their extensive skills on multiple projects or across departments bringing value to the organisation.
Furthermore, a broad range of skills allows you to perform better in your professional capacity paving the way for promotions, salary increases or more responsibilities and projects.
2. Saves you money.
The independence that a skill gives allows you to make rather than spend money. In a time of exorbitant prices we need to start making more economically wise decisions. Why pay for something you can do yourself? Maybe you are good with woodwork and can build your own cupboards or you've had success in Research and Planning so the money you save from hiring an outside entity can pay for that trip you've always wanted to take.
3. Keeps you active and engaged.
Having a skill is like having a hobby. It is something you're good at and most likely enjoy so it never feels like you're working. It is one sure way to reduce boredom, 'blow off steam' and most importantly keep mentally fit. The constant practice you receive will advance that skill and allow you to reach the highest standard of performance which trickles down to the workplace.
4. Self empowerment.
Knowledge is power so thirst after it. You should always challenge yourself to new and exciting ventures no matter how difficult or farfetched they may seem. Do not limit yourself to the overused organisational or analytical skills. What else can you do? Can you code? Are you skilled in website design and optimisation? Perhaps you can play two musical instruments or speak three languages fluently.
It is important to note that as with technological advancements desirable skillsets keep changing and evolving. So don't be afraid to learn something new. Challenge yourself. Education is a lifelong process.
5. Self-sufficiency.
In a world of economic uncertainty you should always have a plan B. God forbid you lose your job over some unforeseeable circumstance you can always fall back on your skill. Unemployment can be solved through the acquiring of marketable, tradable skills. You can build a career out of freelancing or consulting with the skills you possess. Even in the case of a career change, as many people undergo, your skill can provide the financial security you need while you get back on your feet. You may even decide to further advance that skill or learn new ones allowing you to be your own boss. Entrepreneurship starts with the desire to put one's skill to use. That could be you.
A plus for you would be having a skill that aligns with the growth in technological and scientific sectors which the world is shifting towards. These skills may prove to be among the most marketable. There are a plethora of online, digital resources and workshops to help you develop new skills and advance any existing ones. Position yourself for success. What skills do you wish to develop today? What are your plans for the future? Are you ready to place yourself on the map? Tell us in the comments.
The time is now.
