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Bored Panda got in touch with personal finance expert Sam Dogen, and he shared a few thoughts on upskilling and changing careers, as well as what skills are likely to endure no matter how much time passes. Dogen is the founder of the popular Financial Samurai blog and the author behind the bestseller How To Engineer Your Layoff.

"Any skill that involves hands-on building or fixing will endure, but not everyone prefers working in that capacity. To safeguard against AI, it's essential for everyone to cultivate a personal brand. A strong personal brand enhances your employability, keeps you competitive, and helps you attract more business than those with weaker or no brands," he told us in an email.

"Additionally, learning to invest in artificial intelligence is crucial. Whether we like it or not, AI is set to disrupt nearly every job. By investing in the very AI companies that are changing the landscape, you can hedge against the risk of job loss due to automation. As the saying goes, 'If you can't beat them, join them.'"

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I can tell time on a clock with hands and Roman numerals. I can also come to a complete stop at stop signs.

75points

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Morten Jul Lægaard 2 days ago

We are still a few 😄

23points

Constant-Security525 , Pavel Danilyuk Report

According to the International Monetary Fund, artificial intelligence will likely affect nearly 40% of all jobs. Meanwhile, an Adecco Group and Oxford Economics poll of 2,000 executives found that 41% of them expect to employ fewer people because of AI.

The World Economic Forum warns that the biggest job losses due to AI will likely be seen across administrative and security roles, as well as factory and commerce roles. It’s administrative jobs—especially—that are vulnerable to digitization and automation. So, someone who works in a clerical or secretarial role may be feeling particularly anxious about the not-so-far-off future.

In the meantime, Goldman Sachs predicts that around 18% of global work could become automated, affecting around 300 million jobs due to generative AI. Advanced economies will probably be impacted more than developing ones.

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Hand sewing? Actually, I still use this skill occasionally, even despite the fact that most people now simply toss out such torn and worn clothing.

I find hand sewing an extremely relaxing activity. And rewarding.

61points

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Josephine Blogs 2 days ago

This is still a useful skill.

28points

According to Dogen, it's common to feel overwhelmed by the many options for upskilling or changing careers. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage this. "Start with a self-assessment to evaluate your skills, interests, and values. Then, set clear, achievable goals for what you want to accomplish—whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or a complete career shift," he told Bored Panda.

"Do some research on industries that align with your skills and prioritize acquiring the most relevant ones. Take manageable steps to build your confidence along the way. Online learning platforms are great for flexible, self-paced courses, so take advantage of them."

He added that networking is key here, too. "Connect with professionals in your desired field through events and online communities to gain insights and uncover opportunities. Be open to experimentation in your current role by volunteering for cross-functional teams or shadowing colleagues."

Meanwhile, it can be useful to embrace a growth mindset where you view setbacks as valuable learning experiences. "If you're still feeling overwhelmed, consider working with a career coach for personalized guidance."

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Map reading and being able to use a paper map to get where I am going without turn based directions.

Utterlybored: I tested off the charts on map reading/navigation back in fourth grade. Centuries ago, I could have had a career. Now, my brilliance has been usurped by a free app.

S-L-F , Francesco Paggiaro Report

60points

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sbj 2 days ago

Even though I have GPS if I'm going on a journey to a new destination I always consult a map beforehand to get an idea of the direction I need to go so whatever happens accidents/road closures I don't get lost

16points

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I know how to shear, wash, card, and Spin wool. I also know how to dye the fibre using plant dyes. At this point all of my socks, mitts, toques, scarves, and sweaters have been made by me.

Dontblink-S3 , Surene Palvie Report

56points

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Brenda Spagnola-Wilson 2 days ago

This is actually an amazing skill to have! People are willing to pay more for items handcrafted like that!

26points

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Writing in cursive.

kesh2011: I'm 52 and my son is 13. I'm trying to teach him how to write cursive. I got a card written in cursive just yesterday, and he couldn't read it.

BlueGreenTrails , Pixabay Report

51points

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het 2 days ago

I don't care how you write as long as it's legible.

10points

As we’ve covered previously, the jobs that are likely to be the most resilient to the spread of AI are very likely to be those that require emotional intelligence, lots of creativity, as well as critical thinking. Broadly speaking, the more human interaction your job entails, the more future-proof it might be. Of course, there are no guarantees, but that’s the current line of thinking.

Furthermore, other skills that should continue to be in demand will be those that require lots of manual dexterity and adaptability. To put it bluntly, they probably won’t invent cheap robots that could replace even the worst plumber anytime soon. So, anyone who’s built their fortune working with their hands should be safe… for now…

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I know how to use a DOS operating system.

Odd-Pollution-2181 , Pixabay Report

46points

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MyNameIsNotAPortent 2 days ago

Obligatory Linux screenshot

28points

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Using the card catalog/Dewey Decimal system.

Used to be your go-to-guy for doing library research.

joeditstuff , MART PRODUCTION Report

45points

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Daniel Atkins 2 days ago

Ever time see a mention of the Dewey decimal system I think of Conan the Librarian from UHF "Don't you know the Dewey Decimal system?!".

7points

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I used to remember at least 50 phone numbers, friends, family and work. Ironically I used to work for the phone company.

RegularJoe62: I used to do that as well. If I had to dial a number more than a couple of times, I'd memorize it. Now I know three numbers: mine, my wife's, and our landline (yes, we are dinosaurs; I give it to businesses that actually need a phone number).
Well, four if you count my home phone number from when I was a kid, which I haven't dialed in nearly 40 years.

mamabear-50 , Pixabay Report

44points

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leendadll 2 days ago

Same. My current memorized list contains 2: mine and the vet. But now I accidentally memorize credit card numbers after a single glance

6points

glorious_cheese , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

Before the spread of AI in public, job loss due to technological progress seemed like something that only happened in history books. We don’t see too many chimney sweepers, lift operators, or switchboard operators these days, do we? Meanwhile, many labor-intensive and dangerous jobs have undergone fundamental changes after the Industrial Revolution due to continuous developments in automation.

These days, however, all of this change seems very close. Some people are worried that they might become obsolete and will have to change career paths. Others are already feeling the impact on their livelihood. It’s fairly likely that you personally know someone who’s an artist, translator, accountant, telemarketer, data analyst, or writer who’s getting fewer projects to work on and potentially losing savings-oriented clients.

#10

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Film developing and print making.

Kaurifish: I spent so much of my teen years learning chemical photography. Thank goodness for digital, but I resent the wasted skill points

39points

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Daniel Atkins 2 days ago

Black and white was fun color has a learning curve.

6points

#11

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Being able to drive a manual car. Believe it or not, this skill is disappearing with the younger generations Most cars and even large trucks are now auto and there's little reason for the common person to need to learn manual. I feel like saying "I got my "manual" license sounds super dated. Used to be a badge of honour, back in the day 🤣🤣.

snowy24000 , Norma Mortenson Report

39points

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Pernille 2 days ago

Not an outdated skill yet, most if not all or the rest of the world drives manual cars, it is mostly in north america that people drives automatics.

36points

#12

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Celestial navigation. I can use a sextant and figure and fix my position.

ZealousidealAntelope , jefe king Report

38points

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El Dee 2 days ago

Just a couple of years ago our navy reverted to teaching this to new sailors. They realised there was no backup nor anyone with the skills to navigate if the ship's systems went down..

18points

Do you have any skills that you feel have become completely outdated or even outright obsolete, dear Pandas? Which ones are you most proud of, even if they might not be all that useful in this day and age? How do you feel about your current career path and skillset in the Age of AI? We’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this. If you have a spare moment, share them in the comments!

#13

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I know how to parallel park a car with a standard transmission on a severe incline —.

Provee1 , Erik Mclean Report

37points

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Pernille 2 days ago

Of course you do, otherwise you wouldn't have passed your driving test. At least not in Danmark where I got mine.

10points

Pleasant_Bee1966 , Suzy Hazelwood Report

#14

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I’m a really good speller. 😂.

36points

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deejak 2 days ago

Playing Scrabble is still a thing.

11points

#15

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Fast forwarding or rewinding a cassette tape to the exact start of the song I want.

Playful_Lifeguard387: Also, rewinding or fast forwarding a cassette by spinning it on a pencil or Bic pen to save the batteries in your Walkman

airckarc , Dmitry Demidov Report

34points

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Legendbird 2 days ago

And spinning the tape around the BIC. Probably terrible for the tape, especially at the end, but so quick.

2points

ImCrossingYouInStyle , Wim van 't Einde Report

#16

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I can utilize a slide rule. And type 150 wpm.

jk_pens: OK, using a slide rule is definitely an outdated skill but wicked cool. I have some of my dad's, and one day, I will figure them out. I know he showed me the basics like 40 years ago

32points

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Ash 2 days ago

I think the typing is still useful. I use it at work. Also, I do most of my internet browsing on a laptop because that tiny touchscreen on my smartphone drives me INSANE.

14points

#17

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed How to repair the Pershing missile system.

gadget850 , Alice B Report

32points

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David Morgan 2 days ago

OK, this HAS to win 'most obscure skill' on this list.

31points

#18

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Being able to throw a rolled newspaper over the top of my manual 1971 Toyota Corolla left-handed and land it inside the newspaper delivery boxes beside the mailbox 8 out of 10 times.

wuzziever , OSX II Report

32points

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deejak 2 days ago

Impressive!

10points

#19

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Morse code.

Iforgotmypwrd: I learned Morse code around 2005. It was outdated then, and I don’t remember it, but I think it’s good some people still know it. Just in case.

K2TY , Chris Curry Report

31points

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General Anaesthesia 2 days ago

Morse is still the only way to tap "S O S" on the hull of a sunken submarine while gasping for air.

11points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

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Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#20

My entire degree is ancient… I graduated 40 years ago with a graphic arts degree… literally none of what I learned is used today because of computers… we oldsters refer to ourselves as “designasaurs”.

FunTaro6389 Report

31points

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WubiDubi 2 days ago

Style must transcend methods though?

3points

#21

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I can hand milk a cow. I think that qualifies as outdated.

TravelingGen , Pixabay Report

29points

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Justin Tyme 2 days ago (edited)

Not outdated. A cow may still need to be milked by hand if it has a certain injury or an illness such as mastitis.

15points

#22

I know how to use a mimeograph machine. I can print off a bunch of stuff for you and let you sniff the fumes before it dries !

NJCurmudgeon Report

27points

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WindySwede 2 days ago

Is this how mimes come to be? 🙃

4points

#23

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Read, turn pages, and fold The NY Times or any large newspaper with one hand without hitting any pages on your fellow cramped passengers inches away. It’s a special skill you do while standing and your other hand holds the subway car hanging straps (pre-bar era in 70’s and earlier).

tonyrocks922: My fourth-grade teacher spent half a day teaching my whole class how to do the subway fold for the New York Times!

zenmaster75 , Daria Obymaha Report

25points

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Fembot 2 days ago

Ha, that’s could be a mandatory skill to prove you’re a real New Yorker. That and with the proper NY accent yelling ‘I’m walking here!’

3points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

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#24

Adjust the knobs on an analog TV to make the picture clear. Recently picked up a mid-80s Emerson TV off Facebook marketplace to use with an Atari 2600 and it was fun to adjust using actual knobs including the good old Vertical Hold.

jk_pens Report

25points

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WubiDubi 2 days ago (edited)

Digital screen car steroes still have FM manual adjusts. Thankfully there is a touch screen and a tune by physical k**b option. Is BP going to censor that? Edit: yes.

3points

#25

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I can fix typewriters.

Worried-Alarm2144 , Min An Report

24points

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Philly Bob 1 day ago

To this day I still use the "Peek and Poke" method! :)

4points

#26

I am loving these responses and feel right at home! The only thing I can add is canning. My specialties are chutneys and jams. I also have eight bottles of vanilla extract curing in my closet.

SpanArm Report

24points

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Ace 2 days ago

I used to be really impressed when Americans would talk about canning fruit, but then I realised that they didn't mean they were using actual tin cans, but glass bottles. Yeah, that's what we call "bottling". I only realised this a few years ago😳

7points

#27

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Detassling.

back in the day, to make seed corn, you had to walk down every row of corn and pull the tassles (male ends of the corn stalk off) so they wouldn't pollinate themselves. herds of highschoolers would be recruited for a two week season to detassle corn.

I believe this is all done by machine now.

cmh_ender , Todd Trapani Report

23points

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WindySwede 2 days ago

But just seed corn, not regular corn for eating or animal feed?

4points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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#28

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed I know how to do a form of shorthand called speed writing. I was also pretty good at Gregg, though nothing of that has retained in my brain. Unfortunately the only thing it’s done is made my personal notes look crazy for anyone else to read. Even writing a list to my family gets odd. Speed writing uses principles of phonetic cursive where you omit vowels and capitals change the sound of the letter.

troysmarina: I still use Gregg shorthand! I haven't had to use it at work for about 10 years, but I use it for notes for myself all the time. Warning: it ruins your regular handwriting.

Nelyahin , Louis Bauer Report

21points

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Jill Rhodry 1 day ago

It was Pitman's for us

4points

#29

People Shared What 30 Skills They Acquired That Are No Longer Needed Compass reading. Got diverted in Michigan over and over again Just followed the compass on my rear view mirror and made it to Kentucky with zero problems and got to see some coolio stuff too.

mmacto , Valentin Antonucci Report

21points

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Geoffrey Scott 2 days ago

My Mom and I got separated in Lakeland Fla. Oldest daughter with her. My wife said "you are lost", "no dear, just not where I want to be". 'Internal' compass got us back on track.

6points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#30

I used to be able to fix my own car.

Eliotness123 Report

19points

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het 2 days ago

I think manufacturers have deliberately made cars far more complicated than they need to be.

9points

Note: this post originally had 46 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »

Hey there! I'm Shelly, a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. When I'm not working, you'll often find me immersed in creativity, whether it's creating animations, 3D and traditional art, writing, or making music.I've been drawing since I was little, and my passion for visual storytelling really took off after I finished a 2-year Film Academy. It ignited my existing spark for bringing stories to life through visuals. Since then, I've been diving deeper into art and tech, always exploring new ways to tell compelling stories.

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Which of the outdated skills do you find most surprising?

POST

Ash 2 days ago

The people on this list are going to be extremely useful in a post-apocalypse.

8points

Janissary35680 2 days ago

Thanks for the reassurance. It's something to look forward to, I guess.

3points

Angela C 1 day ago

I purposely have no useful skills so that I'll die quickly in an apocalypse

0points

Adz86 1 day ago

Still useful.

0points

Freya the Wanderer 1 day ago

Such an apocalypse could happen. Our current civilization is more vulnerable than we think it is.

0points

Justin Tyme 2 days ago (edited)

I can (usually) remove, without breaking, cassette tape, VHS or beta tape, or 8-track tape that is tangled inside a tape player. When I was a teenager, I became known in my home town for being able to do this and got the tape out of tape players for quite a few people.

5points

Philly Bob 1 day ago

Then having to clean the heads, pinch rollers and capstan to clear out all the gunk.

0points

oktopus 2 days ago

I can identify most types of car which were on the roads of western Europe between about 1977 and 1985.

4points

Pernille 2 days ago

Me too. Did you also go on camping trips through Europe? We should make a card game.

1point

Ash 2 days ago

I learned how to do symbolic logic in college (like algebraic equations, but with logic). It was useless then and it's useless now, but boy, was it fun!! (Yes, I'm the kind of person who diagrams sentences for fun.)

4points

Judes 1 day ago

This is still taught at university. It's not outdate, but just very specialised.

0points

mandy the capibara 1 day ago

Ooh these are really my people! I felt so at home with all these old fashioned skills. I have sometimes been made fun of a little for my love of sewing, gardening, preserving foods, etc, but to me, these activities are so calming! And so.. embodied( if thats the word for it?) You don't have to think about it, your hands know what they are doing. a great thing in today's society.

2points

Roberta Surprenant 1 day ago

I was a licensed pasteurizer and a goat cheese maker, I have also done post mortem care before turning deceased over to the morticians.

2points

K- THULU 2 days ago

Back in the mid 80s got my certificate in theatre lighting using a manual desk..... 6 months later the first digital desks turned up.... that was a waste of my time....

2points

Bored Seb 1 day ago

I used to be an Action Script 3 specialist (RIP Flash)

1point

anaisbananas 1 day ago

I know how to safely can (jar, shelf stable) meats and low acid foods.

1point

Adz86 1 day ago

Lol gen z is in so much trouble when they finally stop screaming trauma at working and have to get jobs.

1point

iseefractals 1 day ago

My coolest outdated skill is bookbinding. Folding the pages, stitching them together....engraving wood for the covers and spine, treating leather, or fabric and applying it to the wood so the engraving is visible and flush, and applying gold leaf, dying, painting or staining the engraved portions. Soap making and paper making as well.

1point

Auntriarch 21 hours ago

That sounds lovely, the bookbinding.

1point

Robin Roper 1 day ago

I can give you the correct time of day within a few minutes if outside based on the position of the sun, location of the shade, and the "feel." Sometimes it's useful.

1point

Hassel Davidhoff 1 day ago

I don't know that it really makes the cut but I can tune a guitar by ear. Most of my friends can't.

1point

roddy 2 days ago

I can do bookkeeping with a ruled ledger. Don't think anyone does it anymore now that there are spreadsheets.

1point

90HD 2 days ago

Not super old, but I don't see my Roblox Studio creating skills coming in handy later.

1point

arthbach 2 days ago

Out dated: no longer useful or modern. Many of the skills listed here are still very useful.

1point

Ashlie Benson 22 hours ago

I've got one: I still treat all people like people, and not just NPC's in my life.

0points

justagirl 1 day ago

I can knit! I'm still figuring out the purl stitch, but heck, I can knit a scarf and that's all I need right now.

0points

Chich 1 day ago

I can get a campfire going in a downpour.

0points

John Nelson 1 day ago

Blacksmithing. Specifically the old hand tools and architectural stuff, I even used to demo at one of those living history places.

0points

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Ash 2 days ago

The people on this list are going to be extremely useful in a post-apocalypse.

8points

Janissary35680 2 days ago

Thanks for the reassurance. It's something to look forward to, I guess.

3points

Angela C 1 day ago

I purposely have no useful skills so that I'll die quickly in an apocalypse

0points

Adz86 1 day ago

Still useful.

0points

Freya the Wanderer 1 day ago

Such an apocalypse could happen. Our current civilization is more vulnerable than we think it is.

0points

Justin Tyme 2 days ago (edited)

5points

Philly Bob 1 day ago

Then having to clean the heads, pinch rollers and capstan to clear out all the gunk.

0points

oktopus 2 days ago

I can identify most types of car which were on the roads of western Europe between about 1977 and 1985.

4points

Pernille 2 days ago

Me too. Did you also go on camping trips through Europe? We should make a card game.

1point

Ash 2 days ago

4points

Judes 1 day ago

This is still taught at university. It's not outdate, but just very specialised.

0points

mandy the capibara 1 day ago

2points

Roberta Surprenant 1 day ago

I was a licensed pasteurizer and a goat cheese maker, I have also done post mortem care before turning deceased over to the morticians.

2points

K- THULU 2 days ago

Back in the mid 80s got my certificate in theatre lighting using a manual desk..... 6 months later the first digital desks turned up.... that was a waste of my time....

2points

Bored Seb 1 day ago

I used to be an Action Script 3 specialist (RIP Flash)

1point

anaisbananas 1 day ago

I know how to safely can (jar, shelf stable) meats and low acid foods.

1point

Adz86 1 day ago

Lol gen z is in so much trouble when they finally stop screaming trauma at working and have to get jobs.

1point

iseefractals 1 day ago

1point

Auntriarch 21 hours ago

That sounds lovely, the bookbinding.

1point