There are two types of skills: expiring skills and permanent skills.

• Expiring Skills are skills that hold relevance at a specific point in time, but they’re at risk of becoming outdated as time goes by or technology makes them obsolete.
• Permanent Skills are those that cannot be replaced because their value and validity remain consistent year after year, no matter how long.

Both skills are important but the value we give to them is different.

We often focus myopically on expiring skills because they offer immediate benefits or appear more relevant in the current moment.

Permanent skills offer a compounding effect: they build a strong foundation for future achievements and allow individuals to navigate changing landscapes effectively. Consider the following examples from various fields:

• Technical writing: The most valuable skills in technical writing go beyond simply knowing how to use specific tools like FrameMaker or DITA; understanding technology and audiences, communicating clearly, and engaging in critical thinking are essential regardless of the tools or frameworks an organisation uses.
• General life: Traits like kindness or being a lifelong learner are not tied to specific technological advancements and remain valuable throughout life, offering a lasting sense of fulfillment and personal growth.

The pursuit of both expiring and permanent skills is necessary for sustained success in an ever-changing world.

What are the permanent skills you are focussing on?