7 Ways to Develop A New Skill in Your Spare Time

Do you want to develop a hobby or marketable skill this year but are stuck on how to get started? Read on for 7 ideas on how to get started today.

1. Take an online class. Skillshare and Lynda are just two sites where you can take a class on your subject of interest from the comfort of your laptop. You can find web based classes that teach you creative and technical skills that you can use to further your career, develop a side hustle or maintain a fun hobby – it might be a good way to make a bit of extra money when you retire. Some people look to long-term investing to gain some additional money for when they retire as well. Websites similar to Learn to Trade can provide some insight into long-term investments. They have some classes that could prove useful to beginner traders. If you are taking a class to learn skills that you plan to implement on your job, see if you can get tuition reimbursement from your place of employment. Alternatively, you can take real life training courses in Bristol and other cities if you prefer a more direct approach to learning.
2. Barter with a friend or acquaintance. We all have those talented friends who have excellent skills we admire. Time and money are valuable, so you shouldn’t expect friends to give away their knowledge or services for free. It’s ideal to pay for the services but barter can also work (here is an example). If you are a math wiz who is an expert at doing taxes and your bestie is a fantastic graphic designer, see if you can teach each other the basics of your expertise. Make sure that the barter is equitable in both time and effort to make it worthwhile for the both of you.
3. Crowd-source your network. Ask your network (online and offline) for advice and strategy on developing your skill. Your network may be aware of resources and opportunities you’ve never even heard of. But when asking your network it’s polite to be reciprocal and be willing to offer suggestions in return if you are able to.
4. Join an interest group on the subject you want to master. Sites like Meetup offer interest groups for countless hobbies, skill sets, and interests. Many Meetup groups offer inexpensive (or free events), workshops and panel discussions on numerous subjects that you can join.
5. Take a workshop or attend a conference led by experts. There are conferences and workshops for just about any topic you can think of! Research one, read reviews, save up for it, and attend. You can make great networking connections, ask experts questions, and get individualized attention (depending on the size of the event).
6. Read books, articles, videos, and blogs. There are many online resources that have a wealth of information and tutorials on a wide array of topics. Spend an hour or two researching your options and get to work!
7. Volunteer for a nonprofit to learn the ropes. If you want to hone a skill contact a local nonprofit organization you care about that you notice needs assistance, and volunteer your services. Examples of skills you can master by helping a nonprofit include: social media and digital strategy, event planning, fundraising, and nonprofit management. If you are unfamiliar with a nonprofit that might need your help, check out a site like Idealist where people post open volunteer positions throughout the country.

What is your favorite method to take up a new skill?

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