I’m a Java/J2ee programmer working in India. I’m very passionate about programming and I constantly strive to hone my programming skills by reading blogs, solving Project euler questions, learning new technologies, developing small apps etc;. But I find it very difficult to manage my time. Working for 12 hrs a day in office leaves me stressed out and spend my weekends with my family. So i hardly have like 5-6 hrs per week to actually work on something of my interest which will help me improve.
How do you manage time so that you find time to improve your current standing?
EDIT: 12 hours includes 1hour of travel & 1 hr of break(lunch/coffee). Effectively I work for 10 hours per day in office which is mandated by my organization.
-Snehal
If you spend that much time at work, in my opinion, the remainder of that time you should spend with your family and friends, doing the things you like to do.
I would expect 12 hours at work to enhance my skills, but not everybody is blessed with a job that is on the cutting edge of technology, and it is understood that some programmers dwell in old technology or methods, leaving them no room to advance themselves.
So the question becomes “How do I advance my skills given a minimal amount of time?”. The answer being maximize your effort on things that bring you real value.
I would try to get more out of my workplace. For example, try to initiate technological trainings at your workplace. Suggest to your superior that you research a new and interesting technology, which can be related to your field, spend a few hours on it, and give a talk about it to your colleagues – to the benefit of everyone.