Ask HN: What skills do you want to develop or improve in 2025?
HN readers outline the skills they hope to build in 2025, ranging from hard technical goals—like mastering Rust, machine learning, Kubernetes, embedded systems, or deeper CS fundamentals—to creative and practical pursuits such as writing, game development, UI design, and electronics. Many emphasize non-technical growth just as strongly: improving health and sleep, building discipline and better habits, learning languages, parenting, strengthening relationships, and developing resilience or mental fortitude. Across responses, there is a shared recognition that marketing and sales, time management, and the ability to finish and ship projects are now as critical to a satisfying career and life as pure technical expertise.
Product marketing, sales & entrepreneurship
- Many want to improve marketing/sales to get actual paying customers for SaaS, indie apps, or physical products.
- Common realization: “build it and they will come” fails; traffic and repetition matter more than clever one-offs.
- Suggestions include: structuring landing pages better, mastering Google/Facebook ads and analytics, pricing psychology, strong brand/logos, and clear free-vs-paid value.
- Some warn entrepreneurship can be an even harder “rat race,” and urge freelancing or keeping expectations realistic.
Technical skills & CS depth
- Popular targets: Rust, Nix, ML/AI (often via Andrew Ng or fast.ai), Git (esp. rebase), Kubernetes/CKA, Elixir/functional programming, Ada, AWK, CS fundamentals (“Nand2Tetris”, TeachYourselfCS), desktop apps, embedded/FPGA, container runtimes, CI/CD, DevOps, and self‑hosting.
- Several want to move beyond web/frontend into systems, databases, networking, or bare‑metal work.
- Some plan certifications (AWS, Kubernetes, RHCSA) to formalize knowledge.
Writing, blogging & communication
- Many aim to write more: essays, technical blogs, fiction, emails, documentation, or even poetry.
- Struggles include perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and context‑dependent writing ability.
- Advice: publish imperfect posts, write for oneself, state uncertainty clearly, and use search data (e.g., Search Console) to guide topics.
Math, formal study & learning tools
- Numerous people want to “do more math,” prep for physics/AI degrees, or rebuild rusty foundations.
- Math Academy is repeatedly praised for diagnostics, spaced repetition, and clear knowledge graphs; some share detailed progress and renewed confidence.
- Others recommend Anki, “Learning How to Learn,” statistics/probability texts, and structured ML/math courses.
Languages, arts & physical skills
- Language goals: German, Spanish, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, English fluency. Methods include immersion, tutors, SRS (Anki), specialized courses, and content platforms.
- Creative/craft aims: game art, Blender, pottery, sewing/tailoring, film photography, music, piano, dance, magic, woodworking, drawing, animation, Rubik’s cubing, and clothing fabrication.
- Fitness goals: running (5K to marathon), strength training, swimming, yoga, climbing, better sleep, and general health.
Parenting, relationships & mental health
- New and experienced parents want to “learn how to parent,” read key baby/parenting books, and accept it as an ongoing journey.
- Others focus on social skills, deeper connection, relationship skills, and learning to forgive.
- Many want better habits, discipline, time management, and reduced phone/social media usage.
- ADHD is a major theme: dopamine‑driven habits, hobby‑jumping, and procrastination. Opinions split on habit books and ADHD coaching; some recommend occupational therapists instead.
Life philosophy & “non-goals”
- Several emphasize mental fortitude, stoicism/Buddhist practices, living in the present, separating work from life, and allowing themselves not to constantly upskill.
- A recurring subtheme: choosing fewer, more meaningful goals over endless technical stacking.