15 Mar 2020

There’s no doubt you learn plenty at high school, but when you finally walk out of those gates, you’ll realise that some of what you were taught means absolutely nada in the real world. And if there was one thing that high school actually showed us, it’s that you can’t learn everything from a textbook.

Here’s just a few things that high school never taught us.

1. Booking an appointment

Easily the most nerve-wracking experience you’ll have to endure in your life. Ever. Whether it’s getting a check-up at the dentist or finding out if you’re sick as a dog at the doctors, booking an appointment is an absolute nightmare.

The only way to get better is to just keep doing it – you’ll sound less and less like a bumbling idiot each time you do it.

2. Email etiquette

You’re probably scoffing at the idea but having superb email etiquette is a life necessity. Most of the time it’s the first point of contact (sometimes only) between you and someone important like a real estate agent or potential boss.

Don’t be the one that doesn’t know the difference between your and you’re, the type to hit reply all without thinking twice or believing that your humour can be received well through text. Make sure you proofread your email for silly mistakes and try to mimic emails that are sent to you to get a feel for it.

3. Anything banking

From opening bank accounts to understanding interest rates, anything to do with banking is one big ‘huh’ moment. With banking such an important aspect of our day-to-day lives, we reckon everyone needs more of a helping hand when it comes to managing finances. 

4. What on earth are taxes, GST and superannuation

The biggest head scratcher is knowing how to do your taxes correctly, what GST stands for and how on earth superannuation works. Don’t be deterred though, there’s plenty of adults out there that still haven’t got a clue. If you want a hand on wrapping your head around these three confusing concepts, jump on over here. 

5. To be emotionally and financially prepared to move out

It’s exciting to think of the newfound freedom when you’re finally out of the family nest, but there are certainly more than a handful of real-life responsibilities that are easily forgotten about. We’re talking credit ratings, leases, bonds, a ridic amount of bills and finding the right housemates. 

6. How to do anything around the house without Mum

Yeah, yeah, we know you’ve heard it all before but when you move out you truly appreciate the amount of washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning ya parents do to make sure you’re not living in your own filth or starving.

7. How to be human

Thank god we know how to structure essays and find out the length of the longest side of a right-angled triangle, but god forbid we actually know how to manage our emotions, deal with conflict, worry less and socialise effectively.

8. The difference between a resume, cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV)

When you’re job-hunting, you’re told to supply either a resume, cover letter or CV. Sometimes all three. And it’s pretty bloody confusing when you weren’t taught the difference between each.

Resumes and CVs are generally the same thing, but CVs are a bit longer and more detailed whereas a resume is shorter. Cover letters are used to provide additional information as to why you are the right candidate, so as a rule of thumb try and make it more personal.

9. Then… how to actually write a resume, CV or cover letter

With a banger resume, CV or cover letter, you’ll be earning that sweet cash in no time. But what the heck actually goes on one?

For resumes, make it succinct, sweet and about you. Include past experience, how you performed and your responsibilities. If you haven’t got experience, chuck on some school achievements or try and get out there and volunteer so you can whack it on there. Bullet points work in the case of a resume.

If you’re whipping up a mean CV, include a bunch of detail about your achievements, education, awards and whatever else you think would impress an employer. You’ve got plenty of room to work with on CVs.

A more personal and tailored response as to why you’re the one for the job is what should be on a cover letter, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

10. How to change a tyre

What more can we say?

The road of life often doesn’t go the way you expected it to when you were in high school. You’ll hit a few bumps here and there, but most importantly you’re going to continue to learn lessons that high school failed to teach ya.

Lucky, Year13 and Westpac have you covered with FinLit, our financial literacy program that will teach you all the money stuff that school never did. Plus, if you successfully complete all the modules, you’ll also go into the draw to win $1,000! Get the terms and conditions over here or get started on FinLit right here.  

 

This information is intended to be general in nature only and might not apply to your personal circumstances. When in doubt always seek professional guidance.

Promotion opens 18/11/2019 at 12.01am AEDT and closes 17/11/2020 at 11.59pm AEDT.  Entry is open to all Australian residents aged 15 years or over. During the Promotion Period: Visit the Year 13 site at https://year13.com.au/academy/finlit and register for a MyYear13 account; complete all four modules; and
successfully pass the quiz (minimum of 80% correct answers) at the end of every module. Entry is automatic once all four modules’ assessments have been completed and passed. The Prize consists of $1,000 cash (total prize pool $4,000). Prize draw will take place at 84 Alexander Street, Crows Nest NSW; Draw 1 on 18/2/2020 for entries received from 18/11/2019 to 17/2/2020;
Draw 2 on 18/5/2020 for entries received from 18/2/2020 to 17/5/2020;
Draw 3 on 18/8/2020 for entries received from 18/5/2020 to 17/8/2020;
Draw 4 on 18/11/2020 for entries received from 18/8/2020 to 17/11/2020.
Winner notified in writing on within 3 business days of each Draw and their name published on https://year13.com.au/academy/finlit . For full terms and conditions, visit at https://year13.com.au/articles/finlit-terms-conditions. The joint promoters are Year 13 Pty Ltd ABN 93606583706 and Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33007457141. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPM/19/05046 and ACT TP 19/04505