Beyond the 9-to-5: tips on making time for professional growth

The modern office is an environment of constant change, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving business models. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have kicked this into overdrive in recent years, with roles once considered exclusively human now being automated or, in some cases, rendered obsolete by AI.

For many employees today, the skills that got them hired five years ago may not be enough to propel their careers forward. However, finding the time to update and improve your skillset may be difficult, especially when balancing it with work schedules and personal commitments. 

This is where a strategic approach becomes essential. Rather than viewing upskilling as a burden, it can be gradually integrated into your existing routine through a variety of methods. Some of these steps include:

Conducting a time audit

Start by tracking how you currently spend your time within a week. Keep a detailed log of your daily activities, including those at work, your household chores, leisure time, and commitments to your family and community. 

Once you have your log, take note of time sinks or activities where you might be able to trim down or eliminate to free up more time for career growth. Simple or repetitive tasks, for instance, can be automated or delegated to free up more time to upskill yourself.

Setting realistic goals

Once you have a clear picture of your time commitments, the next step is to determine what you want to accomplish in your skill development journey. Instead of aiming for lofty objectives that might overwhelm you later on, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. 

You should also take into account your work and family responsibilities when setting these goals to ensure that they align with your current life circumstances. Keep in mind that it’s better to pace your progress through small victories to maintain your momentum in your journey towards self-improvement.

Maximizing your downtime

Turn your passive activities into opportunities for learning. For example, you can watch training or educational videos while commuting to work or listen to self-learning podcasts while doing chores. 

Another way to make the most of your downtime is by microlearning. If you find yourself too busy to dedicate some time to personal development for the day, you can still make progress by doing it in short bursts. These can be squeezed in during lunch, breaks, or while waiting in line to help you consistently build your skills.

Negotiating flexible work arrangements

If juggling skills development and work seems a bit too much to handle, consider asking your manager about flexible work arrangements. Companies tend to be accommodating of employees who want to improve their skillset, with nearly 70% reportedly offering various opportunities for upskilling in a recent poll.

When discussing your plan, highlight how gaining new skills or improving existing ones will bring more value to your role within the company. Point out the potential of improving your time management and productivity through a more personalized schedule that accommodates your learning pursuits.

Looking out for ‘stretch opportunities’

In a 2024 Hays survey, 75% of employees see stretch opportunities – tasks or projects that require individuals to go beyond their current role – to be the most effective method for upskilling at work. These projects can also hone collaboration and problem-solving skills, especially when they involve working with colleagues from other teams or with different skillsets.

While stretch opportunities tend to pop up naturally at work, you can be more proactive by discussing them with your superior. Managers are often the key to getting your name put forward to be included in an internal project. Just make sure that the stretch project does not negatively impact your current workload. 

Setting up a support system

Learning a new skill while working full-time can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to have a support system in place. Talk to your family and friends about what you’re doing, the long-term benefits of your efforts, and the type of help you might need from them.

You can also find support by connecting with others who are on a similar journey. If you have a colleague who is also upskilling with similar goals in mind, consider teaming up as study partners to keep each other accountable and provide mutual encouragement. You can join online communities like those on Discord and Reddit to share your experiences, relieve some stress, and keep yourself motivated.

Adapting to a rapidly changing workplace requires a proactive approach towards professional growth. By taking intentional steps, whether efficient time management, setting realistic goals, or making use of your spare time for learning, you won’t just keep up with change but also get ahead of it. Upskilling is a continuous journey, and by taking control of that, employees are better positioned to ensure their careers remain resilient and relevant in the future of work, which is defined by constant change.