I've heard from more than one engineer and entrepreneur that in order to be really successful, you have to develop additional skills and knowledge at night after work and on weekends; i.e. after your 7-5 job, go home and do what is essentially more work — whether it's building something, taking an online class, learning how to code, or reading/learning advanced material.

My personal example: I'm not happy with my current job so I'm looking to move into the space sector, where I've always wanted to be. To do so I started learning Python, started an online class from Stanford (EE263: Intro to Linear Dynamical Systems), and started learning STK 10 (software for guidance & nav simulations).

All of this began when I looked at the job postings in the space industry that I wanted to apply for, and realized that I'm horribly unqualified even for entry-level positions. I don't do any of these things at my actual job so my current skills aren't 100% transferable. They're not even 50% transferable.

In other words, I'm trying to un-pigeonhole myself out of being a lowly aerospace structures analyst and get into something I'll enjoy a lot more. I feel this is very important during my formative years as a new engineer to get the career I want.

The problem is it's pretty goddamn hard.

Between dive_into_python3.pdf; digesting lectures & taking notes for 2 hours a night; and STK 10 training videos, it's difficult to find the time, energy, and motivation after work even if I have a double espresso at 5pm... which starts other problems like staying up late which turns into being late for my actual job in the morning. I also feel like I don't have a social life anymore.

I think I've taken a good first step, but I find it hard to continue. So those of you that did or are doing this now, whether it's on your own or something like a Master's degree at night, how do you do it? What's your general strategy for time management and finding motivation?

I guess this can also be a general "my job sucks, what do?" discussion thread.