In online “prepper” communities – where people discuss ways to prepare for potential emergencies and disruptions – members often jokingly refer to their “zombie apocalypse” skills.

These are the capabilities they would bring to catastrophic or post-apocalyptic worlds, where the demands of today’s job market suddenly matter less. Participants ask questions and exchange tips, debate ethical scenarios, and support those increasingly anxious about shortages, instability or the prospect of civil unrest.

These “apocalypse skill” musings can work to reinforce ideas that the superior value of physical strength and traditionally masculine skills will be restored by a catastrophe. But these discussions can also have the opposite effect. They can recast domestic and caring labour – the provision of food, water, comfort and support – and the work of maintenance and repair, from underpaid, low-status activities to essential skills for survival.

Hobbies can bring joy, wellbeing and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have one. If you’re ready to replace scrolling with stitching, or hustle with horticulture, The Hobby Starter Kit (a new series from Quarter Life) will help you get going.

The typical image of a prepper puts too much emphasis on their stuff – stockpiles of food and water at home or equipment packed in emergency grab-bags – and too little on the........

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