1. Learn how to cook--this is bare basic survival stuff. No one will mummy or daddy you once you travel. A lot of people have probably never seen the inside of a kitchen before in their lives or how to turn a gas stove on because their parents or guardians wouldn't allow you in there. Don't say nobody warned you.
2. Learn how to drive, very very critical for jobs that require stay overs and sleep overs (especially in healthcare). Some people travel and are shocked to the bone when they get a job and the next day are handed car keys and a vehicle to use as part of the job or get asked for a driver's license during the initial job application/interviews.
3. If you have never had your buttocks on a bicycle before then I suggest you get yourself on one ASAP. A lot of European countries and elsewhere in Asia have a cycling culture. It's not only a means of saving you money but also gets you healthy.
4. Learn to use most of the productivity apps in Microsoft Office Suite--MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Spreadsheet, etc. These little things may mean nothing to you now, but should you find yourself in a working environment where you're expected to use them and you don't have a clue you go struggle waaaa...
5. If you're a woman, and have got the gift of 'handwork' or 'trade' such as hair styling, braiding, etc please, perfect this art. Some of the well paid and biggest businesses all over abroad are in this sector. If you're a man/guy and are a barber learn to perfect your skill. If you are artisan, have technical skills such as carpentry, mansonry, plumbing, electrician, etc and are willing to upgrade or willing to get some form of certification once you 'land' then you'll be smiling sooner than later..
6. Swimming takes time, but please learn to how swim if you can. For those who are interested in military jobs abroad this is one of the basic skills to have. Swimming in general is a life saving skill, Ghanaians however usually have no desire in this critical area of life until they find out they actually do need it.
7. Learn how to use simple household and everyday tools--screwdrivers, tweezers, pliers, voltmetre, jump lead cables, etc. You'd find out soon enough that you'd have to change, modify or repair simple things around the house, in the car, or on simple electrical and mechanical tools (lawn mowers, strimmers, electric jet wash, etc) yourself. This is not a gender specific issue and applies to both women and men.
8. Google maps and Google Street View, you don't need to drive to use these apps, you'd use it a lot when walking, or discovering places--it will get you to where you need to be, including bus stops as well as important information such as departure/arrival timings, nearest train stations including underground or tubes. Learn how to toggle between the map types, whether terrain or satellite. Learn how to share your location or track another person's real time movement, learn how to drop a pin on to a location (so you know where you started from if you get lost for example...)
9. Download Duolingo or Babbel (comes with a charge) and learn the basics of the language in the country you'd be travelling to, especially if it's a non-English speaking nation. Simple things like 'good morning', 'goodbye', 'how are you' 'etc' 'etc' Google language is good for this too.
10. There are thousands of self help and DIY videos across YouTube on most of the thing discussed above. Use the time now whilst you apply for your visa or hunt for opportunities to also learn and adapt so you can overcome some of these challenges once you 'land'...
Always remember, improvise, adapt, overcome..
Credit : KAY OB (Facebook)