The Top 25 Desirable Post-Apocalyptic Skills to Work on Now

Disclaimer

If the world were to be brought to its knees by some unforeseen disaster tomorrow, how long could you survive on your own? It’s something most of us have thought about at least once. What many don’t consider is the likelihood of long-term survival on your own. This is why having a community is important, but would you be accepted into a post-apocalyptic community? What valuable survival skills do you have that would entice a large community to accept you? This article will cover the top 25 desirable post-apocalyptic skills to work on now. Remember, the number of skills you currently have is only important if you are incapable of learning.

The 15 Most Critical Post-Apocalyptic Skills

There are many skills that are highly valued in a post-apocalyptic world, and many that are not. Today, we live in a world where value is disproportionately placed on “wants” or “wows” instead of “needs”. That will immediately change in the event of a catastrophic situation. The most critical post-apocalyptic skills will become those that serve to fill the most important need: SURVIVAL. The people who have the ability to provide services that sustain life will be the most highly valued. While it is extremely rare to possess them all, it is not uncommon to possess at least one. The critical skills include:

Leadership and Decision-Making: No community can successfully run without good leadership in place. A community will need inspirational people who are capable of making tough decisions. There does not have to be just one leader. A council of trusted individuals is an option. Having an odd number on council helps to prevent any ties that could take place during a vote.
Medical Skills: As your skill level increases, your value increases. Doctors and nurses will be in high demand, as will EMTs and CNAs. Having an extensive knowledge and ability to perform first aid is desirable in and of itself. Possessing specialized skills beyond that will make you a much greater asset.
Agriculture and Production of Food: Humanity cannot survive without food, so those who have knowledge of farming, gardening, common plant ailments, knowledge of pest control, and knowledge of how to solve common soil and irrigation issues will be highly desired.
Water Purification, Storage and Management: The ability to produce clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning wounds will be vital to survival. The management of water supplies will also be necessary. Individuals with this knowledge and experience will be extremely valuable.
Natural Medicine and Herbalism: Having deep knowledge and skill in herbalism and natural medicine will be highly sought after. In a world void of modern medicine, being able to bring relief, heal and prevent infection is paramount.
Carpentry and Construction Trades: Those with knowledge in building and repair will be sought after. Safe and secure buildings will be needed for shelter as well as defense.
Animal Husbandry: While it is possible to survive without animal products, it is difficult to do so. A great deal of nutrients can be found in various meats and eggs that we cannot readily obtain from plants. In addition, animal fats can be used for candle making, soaps, etc.; furs and skins can be used for warmth and more; and bones can be used to fashion tools and weapons. This is why animal husbandry is a skill that cannot be overlooked.
Hunting and Trapping: In the early stages of forming a community, farm animals may not have yet been acquired. Yet, as discussed above, the products of those animals are many. This is why those who know how to hunt, and trap will be of great value.
Security and Self Defense: A high priority of any community will be protection from threats, whether external or internal. Individuals who are skilled in security measures, as well as self-defense can be a valuable asset to any community.
Mechanical Repair: Knowing how to fix or maintain machinery, vehicles and a variety of tools will be a highly sought after skill.
Energy Production: Those who possess the knowledge and skills to generate electricity and store it for use will be a very valuable asset.
Food Preservation, Storage and Management: Those with knowledge and skills in preserving foods for long term storage and use will be valuable to any community. In addition, knowing how to best manage food stores and handle shortages will be invaluable.
Blacksmithing and Metalworking: The knowledge and skills required to forge metal weapons and tools, as well as the ability to repair them, will be valuable to any community’s survival and defense.
Navigation and Cartography: Being able to navigate using the stars, maps and landmarks will be a valuable skill for a community that is interested in exploring other areas for needed resources.
Mental Health: There will be countless challenges, trauma, and many a grieving person in the post-apocalyptic world. The need for emotional support and assisting others in building and maintaining mental resilience will be high and those skills valued.

Non-Critical Post-Apocalyptic Skills That Will Also Have Value

While the critical skills above are the most needed, there are many other skills that are also very valuable. Most of these skills are not needed immediately but will be necessary within a maximum of 6-12 months after a community is formed. Like the above, it is not at all uncommon to possess one or more of these skills. Let’s take a look at the non-critical post-apocalyptic skills.

A makeshift candelabra lights the table, as a sewing project waits to be completed.

Crafty Post-Apocalyptic Skills

Sewing and Textiles: While many don’t immediately consider this, clothing, shoes, blankets and the like are necessary for survival. This is especially true in areas that experience harsh winters. Those who can produce clothing and textiles will be more valuable than you might think.
Woodworking: Furniture, tool handles, and many other types of wooden objects will be necessary for comfort and aid in survival.
Brewing and Fermentation: Fermentation and brewing expertise is helpful to create alcoholic beverages and preserve foods. Alcohol is highly sought after for many reasons, as are preserved foods. Having these skills will earn definitely up your value.

People and Planning Post-Apocalyptic Skills

Communication and Negotiation: The ability to effectively communicate with others and handle negotiations for resources will be a valuable skill for resolving conflicts and building alliances with other groups.
Resource Planning and Management: Long-term survival will be dependent upon the ability to properly manage community resources and implement and execute plans for the community’s future. (Current politicians need not apply.)
Knowledge of Languages and Cultures: Communities who wish to avoid conflict and create alliances for trade will have great interest in someone who can speak multiple languages. Having knowledge of cultural differences is paramount as well. These skills will be extremely helpful in brokering deals with a broader range of other communities.

What Other Types of Skills Might Be Needed?

If you don’t have any of the skills listed above, hope is not lost. There will be a variety of other necessary skills, such as chemistry, teaching, childcare, cooking, cleaning, butchering, being a lookout and other tasks that you may be a better fit for. Apprentices will also be needed to learn the skills above, so there is always a possibility that you can acquire additional valuable skills. However, why not take the time to learn some of the most desired post-apocalyptic skills discussed above? It never hurts to increase your knowledge and your worth!

#AD: Ravin Crossbows

Tagged with: