I aced my math exams.
But when it came to negotiating my first salary? I was completely out of my depth.
Funny, isn’t it?
Year after year, schools teach us how to:
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Write 5,000-word essays
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Solve quadratic equations
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Memorize the periodic table
But when real life throws us a curveball, like:
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A coworker is taking credit for our ideas
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Navigating tricky office politics
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Answering “What salary are you hoping for?” in an interview
Most of us freeze. And honestly, it’s not our fault.
The education system just wasn’t designed for the world we live in now.
Here are 9 skills I wish I’d learned in school (but didn’t):
1. Managing Your Attention
→ Filtering out distractions and focusing on what really moves the needle
→ Knowing which problems are worth your energy
2. Navigating Workplace Dynamics
→ Identifying who actually makes decisions
→ Handling office politics without losing your integrity
3. Marketing Yourself
→ Making your achievements visible (without sounding boastful)
→ Building relationships before you need them
→ Creating content that showcases your expertise
Surprised by the last one?
In today’s world, your personal brand isn’t just nice to have- it’s essential.
Every post you share is a chance to:
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Demonstrate your skills
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Connect with people who matter
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Unlock opportunities you never saw coming
To be clear: I’m not saying school is useless.
But we owe it to ourselves and the next generation to do better.