On the automotive side I would slightly disagree, unless you are into working on cars that is. Modern cars run so well and are so software driven that learning how to rebuild a carb feels like a bit of a lost art. The effort versus cost calculation does not add up to enough for me to learn. YMMV
I need new brakes on my car which is a job I think I can do, and I still might just go and pay for it.
I agree that learning some basic electrical and plumbing is also
very worthwhile. I 100% agree that the fear factor is the biggest and most common obstacle. The key is to start with simple stuff, like unclogging a toilet, cleaning out a p-trap, or replacing a wax ring on a toilet. Or, on the electrical side, replacing a switch with a dimmer, or replacing a light fixture.
I'd like to clarify my support for learning car repair. You're right that learning to rebuild a carburetor is not likely to be a useful skill. And I'm not trying to suggest that OP invest in gaining expertise in diagnosing engine issues. In fact, the computerization of cars makes a lot of car repairs a lot easier nowadays. What I'm advocating is to simply get past the intimidation factor on car repair. Replacing brakes is a great introductory repair IMO. Because:
1) It's not a
complicated repair. Remove lug nuts, remove wheel, unbolt caliper bracket, remove old pads, put new pads in, and put it all back together. You don't have to worry about timings or alignment or anything "analog" or adjustable.
2) It's a good way to learn what can be hard about car repair (awkward angles, rusty bolts, getting dirty).
3) It requires relatively few tools
4) It's very visual, and things generally only fit one way, i.e. it's harder to mess it up.
5) You learn that car repair is mostly just unbolting old parts and bolting new parts in their place.
Around here, shops charge around $100/hour for labor. I figure that even if it takes me twice the standard time for a given repair, I'm still saving $50/hour
after taxes. This, of course, holds true for the trades as well.