Change they say is the only thing that is constant. As the world advances in age and technology, every facets of our lives are changing also. The most recent of all changes was the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The change it brought, has redefined the future of work, the world of business, mode of learning, travels, tourism communication and a whole lot of things. In today�s world, technology remains one of the key drivers of communication, work, business, learning etc.

As humans, we have to change too in order to adapt to the new normal that COVID-19 has brought. Whatever industry or sector you�re into, change has to be incorporated to fit into the new normal. The failure to embrace change in this era amounts to been relegated to the background. These new ways of doing thing in the new normal comes with some significant hidden cost e.g the use of noise mask, sanitizer in public places, social distance, remote work, online learning, teleconferencing and many more.

This article focuses on the demand the new normal places on us as humans when it comes to the future of work and the world of business. In these new normal, new skills and knowledge are required and to be in the flow we have to as a matter of urgency unlearn, relearn and learn, and to continue to be relevant consistently, we have to engage in Continuous Development Programmes(CDP). You have to take research seriously in this era, ask question(s). Asking question is research. The power of asking question cannot be overemphasized when it comes to learning or being acclimatized to new environment. As Africans, we are born to keep quiet and just compile without questioning issues. Asking question in this new normal helps one to cope and move with the change.

It is against this backdrop, I examined these skills in this new year, seven (7) skills to master in 2025. These seven (7) skills are:

• Speed Reading: Speed reading is the process of rapidly recognizing and absorbing phrases or sentences on a page all at once, rather than identifying individual words.

• Investing: Investing is all about planning for the future and everyone can learn a thing or two from it. That�s why to consider investing as another one of the most valuable skills you can learn.

• Playing an Instrument: Learning musical instrument is not only sustains and feeds the brain but also improves so many other cognitive and physical aspects of the human body

• Public Speaking: Having clear articulation, engaging people, communication skills, mastering body language � all these skills are crucial to anyone hoping to succeed in both the personal and the business world.

Productivity: Productivity means�

• You�ll do more with less of your time.

• You�ll do better with your time.

• You�ll earn more with your time.

• You�ll have time to do something different.

• You�ll have more time in a day.

• You�ll be able to control time better.

• You�ll improve over time.

Data Science: All corporations nowadays require a team of data scientists to keep up with the competition, and as the rise of �big data� continues, data scientists that can make sense of all this data will be more necessary than ever.

Emotional Intelligence: It�s scientific fact that emotions precede thought. When emotions run high, they change the way our brain function� diminishing our cognitive abilities, decision-making and even interpersonal skills. Understanding and managing our emotions (and the emotions of others) helps us to be more successful in both our personal and professional lives.

HIGH DEMANDS FREELANCE SKILLS

• Marketing

• Web Design

• Block Chain

• Accountant

• Copywriting

• Photography

• Graphic Design

• Java Development