8 things about life that could be taught at school

School and college are great for many reasons: introduce some of your best friends, prepare for new school and professional challenges, among other important things. But teaching fails on one point: it generally fails to prepare people for life.

There are some situations that most people don’t know how to deal with, until they really go through it and have to find out, often by force, what the best way out is. And the question that comes to mind is always the same: “Why didn’t anyone teach me this before?”

Just as important as biology, math and grammar is learning skills that can be applied in real life. Here are some things that would make all the difference if taught in schools and colleges:

1. How to do anything without technology

Today’s world is incredibly technological. It’s rare for someone who doesn’t have a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or all of them. And yes, things just tend to go further and further, but what if your computer crashes and you lose everything? What if the internet goes down at work? What if you lose your cell phone? There are a million examples that can be used, so it’s also important to know how to do anything the “old fashioned” way.

2. How to properly manage your time

A busy schedule, with studies and other activities, is common in students’ lives. Many sleep late, wake up early, nap late and end up procrastinating and leaving work until the last minute. But learning about how to create a more structured schedule can help not only in this period, but in all stages of life.

3. How to be a supervisor

Some teachers are extremely helpful and can give tips on the topic being taught and even teach useful tricks for professional life. But one thing that is not taught is how to be a good boss. Most people don’t learn how to be a manager or supervisor, how to have employees and how to talk to them. As much as it is possible to learn this practically and over time, it would be great for schools to prepare students for this.

4. How to handle complicated legal situations

Don’t be alarmed, but you will find yourself in some kind of complicated legal situation at some point in life sooner or later. It happens! And unless you’ve gone to law school, you’re going to feel completely unprepared. Colleges don’t teach you what to do when you need legal assistance or when you really need to seek legal assistance. They don’t talk about the basic terms you should know or the things you should do. It’s scary when that happens. Knowing at least the basics would save us a good deal of stress.

5. Anything to do with insurance and taxes

It’s strange that colleges don’t offer basic courses in tax and insurance matters, which are a part of everyone’s life. Most people work full-time and don’t know what to do with bills, car insurance, income tax returns, and more. The doubts are endless and everyone would be better off if they had been prepared for it.

6. How to buy/rent a place to live

It’s okay to graduate and continue living with your parents. But there will come a time when you will want to rent an apartment or house, or buy something of your own… And, possibly, you will not know what you are doing. The renting or buying process is confusing and can be frustrating. It would be interesting to know at least the basics about real estate, home insurance, paying bills, among other things related to this.

7. How to handle money

Colleges don’t teach students how to handle money. But financial management courses should be a standard part of any curriculum, regardless of field. Most people find it difficult to deal with large or small paychecks, savings accounts, accounts payable, and more. And they only figure out what to do on their own.

8. Have a “Plan B”

When you choose which course you want to take, the school helps you better prepare to pass that course. Then, the college offers knowledge and the tools to practice the profession. But what if things don’t work out? What if you never find a job in the field to begin with? Being fully prepared for just one type of job isn’t going to help if something big happens that changes everything.

Knowing how to deal with this would make a difference not only in professional life, but also in the personal life of each person, who would learn to deal better with different situations throughout life.