Gen Z is smart, tech-savvy, and socially aware than ever. But in all seriousness — having DoorDash and WiFi as a childhood did not exactly equip them for adulthood. Some of the old ways are still relevant, and let’s just say… some survival skills and adulting tips are falling through the gaps. Here are 18 life skills Gen Z may just need to crash course.
Talking on the Phone Without Panic
Texting? Flawless. DMs? Literally Elite. But sit a Gen Zer down with a ringing phone and they’ll be trembling like it’s a bomb. Phone calls still are a thing – you need it for doctors, the office, even your granny. If you can make it through without sweating bullets, you are already ahead of the curve.
Cooking an Actual Meal Without Google
Yes, you can make whipped coffee and feta pasta – but can you fry a chicken without watching a 3-minute Reel? Gen Z is fixated on hacks, but cooking is not. Being able to cook a meal from scratch, app-free and Uber Eats-free, is a survival skill that differentiates independent adults from takeout zombies.
Writing Without Emojis or Abbreviations
Emails still dominate the grownup world, but so many of them read like “yo bro” or “pls check.” Business emails are not the time for “LOL”. Too many Gen Zers confuse relaxed DMs with work correspondence, ignoring the fact that tone still matters. Being able to write clearly, briefly, and with basic grammar is still a high-end life skill.
Patience (Yes, That Old Thing)
Everything is instant now – same-day delivery, streaming, going viral. Patience is so yesterday. But the world does not turn at TikTok speed. Success, careers, and love aren’t one-night stands, but likes are. It seems that Gen Z mixes slow motion with not working, when in fact it’s just the speed of life. Waiting and not spiralling is a skill most never master.
Life Without Google Maps
Take away Google Maps, and part of Gen Z would be land in Narnia. Map relying on GPS for literally every step means you never actually learn where things are (and most of you won’t even know your office directions without Google Maps, right?). Paper maps are so last century, but basic orientation – north, south, landmarks – lingers. Otherwise, one dead battery and you’re done.
Dealing with Rejection Gracefully
Ghosting is the Gen Z security blanket, but the world outside gives harsher rejection than left-swipes. A job rejection, a “no” to your dream college, or a break-up is gonna occur – and how you learn to embrace rejection without losing it is the key. All “L” s are not the end – most of the time it’s a lead to something greater. But you’ll never know unless you fall at the first ego hurdle.
Reading Beyond Headlines
Scrolling headlines ≠ being informed. Re-read that. The vast majority of Gen Zers scroll, share, and react without reading past it. Hot takes aren’t genius – they’re din. The capacity to glance at, scrutinize, and read full articles is what sets thinkers apart from reactors. Don’t allow the algorithm spoon-feed your entire worldview.
Fixing Something Without YouTube
Yes, YouTube is a miracle worker, but what happens when there is no WiFi? Gen Z will stop dead in front of a flat tire, a squeaky door, or a blown fuse. Life skills like performing simple repairs are not given a thought. You don’t have to be Bob the Builder, but some idea of how to hold a screwdriver can’t be a bad thing.
Setting Boundaries Offline
Gen Z is great at boundary-setting on social media (“Don’t text me after 10!“). In person? Now it’s “yeah, sure, sure.” Being able to master saying no in person without falling down the rabbit hole is a skill that will avoid burnout and fake friendships.
Basic Money Management
Crypto memes aren’t a finance class. A frightening number of Gen Z can set up a Robinhood account but can’t budget, save, or grasp interest rates to save their lives. Adulting isn’t investment tweets – it’s NOT blowing it on oat milk lattes. Budgeting apps are great, but financial independence requires old-fashioned discipline too.
Dressing for the Occasion
Gen Z perfected streetwear, thrifting, and athleisure. But give them a wedding invitation or a job interview notification, and it’s complete mayhem. Having basic dressing sense according to the event is an unsung life hack – because not every occasion is sneakers-and-hoodie suitable.
Surviving Without WiFi for 24 Hours
No WiFi, no TikTok, no Netflix – now what? For some Gen Zers, it is a total system failure. It’s awkward to be bored, but it is also where creativity and introspection are most likely to flourish. If you can’t be in a dead zone without losing your mind, that’s the problem. Maybe try reading, walking, drawing, or just thinking without scrolling.
Reading a Room
Tweeting and posting is something – but knowing when to shut up, speak up, or shift vibes in real life? That’s next-level emotional intelligence. Gen Z never picks up the hints because they’re stuck on screens. Being able to read vibes and body language is a success in real life.
Face-to-Face Interactions
Gen Z excels at online but bombs IRL. Eye contact, tone recognition, and breaking the awkward silence are still a reality. Memes won’t assist you when you’re interviewing for a job or having difficult conversations with your friends. Offline confidence comes from practice – not emojis.
Embracing Criticism Without Breaking Down
Likes and affirmations create the illusion of invincibility, and therefore criticism burns with the pain of a personal offense when it arrives. Criticism is fertilizer for growth. Gen Z’s homework? Learning to realize that criticism is not hate – occasionally a stepping stool. Thick skin is not common, but it’s worth the effort.
Dealing with Uncomfortable Silence
Real Life chat is not the same as Discord chat – there is sometimes silence. Gen Z panics, instinctively grabbing their phone in the silence. Being able to sit in the cringe or extend it with a follow-up question is an unsung flex.
Conflict Resolution Without Ghosting
Gen Z’s favorite way to break up? Ghosting. Perhaps it’s the easiest way out, but learning to argue is a part of maturing. In romance, friendships, or working relationships, it’s essential to know how to resolve problems without ghosting. Newsflash: cringe conversations won’t kill you.
Long-Term Commitment
From career to hobby, Gen Z expects instant gratification and instant exit when things go wrong. But growth – careers, love, passions – takes sticking it out past the “boring stage.” Sustaining the talent of sticking it out when the thrill is gone is what differentiates dreamers from doers.
15 Things Gen X Did in the Past That Would Get Gen Z Cancelled Today
From awful jokes to ridiculous parenting expectations, Gen X did things that just won’t cut it in today’s “online forever” climate. If Gen Z attempted even half of this, they’d get roasted, ratioed, and hashtag-cancelled before the TikTok even finished loading.
15 Things Gen X Did in the Past That Would Get Gen Z Cancelled Today
17 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About ‘Adulting’
Yes, we agree that they’re super well-versed in memes, side hustles, and iced coffee drinks, but when it comes to the actual business of being a grown-up? Let’s just say it is a little shaky. These are the everyday adulting things Gen Z keeps getting wrong, and they might need a quick reality check.
17 Things Gen Z Gets Wrong About ‘Adulting’