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In today’s fast-evolving world, the traditional path of education completing school, then stepping into the world of work no longer offers a guaranteed route to success. More than ever, young people are blending academics with hands-on skills to create a lifestyle that’s both productive and future-ready.
This is the emerging lifestyle of students who are not just focused on grades but are also acquiring skills that give them an edge beyond the classroom. It’s a way of life that values balance: the rigour of formal education paired with the creativity, freedom, and resilience that comes with learning practical skills.
Why the Shift?
With rising unemployment and changing job market demands, students are increasingly realising that degrees alone may not be enough. Employers now look for well-rounded individuals problem solvers who can adapt, create, and execute. In response, many students are exploring areas like fashion design, digital marketing, photography, catering, programming, crafts, and even auto repair all while still pursuing their academic studies.
A Day in the Life
For many, a typical day begins with lectures and coursework in the morning, followed by hands-on training or freelance work in the afternoon or evenings. Weekends may be spent attending skill workshops, managing a small business, or interning with professionals. This routine not only builds discipline but instils time management, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic.
Take Blessing, a final-year university student studying Economics who also runs a thriving online skincare brand. Or David, a polytechnic student learning electrical installation while working as an apprentice. Their lives are busy, but full of purpose.
The Gains
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Financial Independence: With a skill, many students earn side income, reducing dependence on family and helping with fees or personal upkeep.
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Confidence Boost: Learning and mastering a skill increases self-worth and identity outside academic labels.
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Career Flexibility: Students are no longer boxed into one career path. A degree may land them a corporate job; their skill may launch a startup.
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Problem Solving: Practical skills teach real-world problem-solving, an invaluable trait for any profession.
Challenges Exist, Too
Combining school and skills acquisition isn’t without hurdles. Students must often sacrifice leisure, manage stress, and learn to prioritise tasks. Support systems—family, mentors, or school policies can make a difference in helping students cope.
Looking Ahead
Schools and governments are now recognising this shift. Some institutions offer entrepreneurship centres, vocational electives, and digital labs. NYSC, for instance, promotes SAED (Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development) to encourage this dual lifestyle post-graduation.
The student lifestyle of today is not just about passing exams. It’s about building a life layer by layer with knowledge, skill, and passion. In a world where adaptability is king, this blend of schooling and skills might just be the ultimate power combo for the next generation.
A Future Built by You
Today’s youth are not waiting for the future they’re building it. Whether it’s through a side hustle, digital skill, or creative passion, more and more young people are taking control of their lives early on.
It’s not just about survival; it’s about success on your own terms.
So if you’re still thinking about whether to learn a skill, the answer is simple: start now. The earlier you begin, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever the future brings.
