The article explores how human skills are shaped in a local job market with uncertain prices. When firms face ups and downs, workers decide whether to specialize in specific skills or build general ones. Higher prices lead to better returns for both types of skills. But when the job market grows, workers focus more on general skills, which can affect productivity. Regions with similar job shocks may struggle to adapt to change and be less productive. This shows that investing in a variety of skills can help regions thrive in the face of economic shifts.