PRACTICAL SKILLS
What skills do you have that have nothing to do with the online space? What practical skill or handwork do you have that you believe would be enough to make you money if for some reason, the world lost the internet. How long have you had this skill? And do you plan to get any better at it?
I had my daughter at a time when head lice started trending in my part of the world. It was also a time women started transitioning from relaxed or processed hair to unprocessed. Rumor had it that it was due to the hair transitioning that lice became rampant.
Basically, it was believed relaxer and other heat methods of processing hair got rid of the lice in the past.
So, when I had my daughter, I was given the responsibility of making her hair. I could remember my fear and reservations because I wasn't an expert in hair making, but then I had the motivation that I would learn to be one, at least for my daughter's sake.
Thus, with my daughter's hair, I started perfecting my skill in hair making. A skill I had no formal training on, as all I knew was from watching people make hair.
Thankfully, I was making my kid sister's hair when she was a child almost 2 decades ago. So, it was easy getting right on as my daughter's hairstylist.
You know, it's been six years, and I have since gotten better in hair making, almost like a pro lol, and very soon I just might tap into it as a side hustle as I am planning to master the act of relaxing and making my own hair.
Additionally, aside from hair making, I am also a good cook and I bake too. I'd say that I'm quite good to the extent of starting up a restaurant 3 years ago, and it was a hit, as I had visible praises from both old and new customers about how good my cooking was.
Indeed, it was a thing of joy, having to do something that attracted praises and aside cooking, I dabbled into makeup artistry. I'd say that I'm quite good too because whenever I have my make up on, I get people gushing over how beautifully it laid on my face. Some even go as far as to asking if I'm a makeupartist. Really, that's how good I am.
Away from my handwork, I have always had people say I have an amazing voice.... Even when I tried out for church choir one time as a teenager, I was told that I sing well and would have a career in music if I developed my voice lol.
I have also had other people tell me several times that I will do well in public speaking because I have a voice that people would want to listen to—clear and motivating.
How about guidance and counseling? Well, I have been told a couple of times to tap into that aspect of skill that I possess. Again, more times than I could count, I have been told to write a book on my life experiences.
The crux of the matter is that, whenever I open my mouth to speak on life's experiences, people are always interested to listen to me speak.
As they listened, I have been told by some that they find solace in my experiences, while others said comfort. As for the rest individuals, they spoke about the lessons that they picked from my story some of which was applied in their daily life and it worked.
Did I also mention that I'm a crocheter? Well, I am one and it’s a skill I've learnt since I was 9 years old. I just started it off again and it’s one of my side hustles as I do earn from it.
Given the prompt above and a glimpse of some of the skills that I possess and the things that I could do, I'd say that if the internet should shut down today, I would not struggle for I am a very resourceful person.
With all said and done, it is quite reassuring to know that outside of the internet, I have a high rate of survival as I can always pick up any of my skills, develop to suit the trend and also earn from it.
ALL IMAGES ARE MINE