I think one of the best way to learn something is by using it at work. That's it.
If learning is so important to you, for whatever reason, you should get a job that will let you use new technology to gain experience.
I just don't think it's possible to get to know everything in your spare time. Spend that time on something you actually enjoy or you will burn out sooner or later.
100% this. I have a decent resume and it’s from building stuff at work. Some of that is luck. Some of that is impressing managers and getting handed opportunities.
But a lot of it is just trying to solve problems around me without asking permission. A lot of people seem to start by asking for help. That is not how you get deep and broad learning.
My learning strategy is continually ask questions and never be satisfied with the status quo. Surely there is tech at your job that you could learn better. If you’ve mastered everything than it’s time for a chat with your manager or time to look for other opportunities. Nothing forces learning like being dunked in the deep end at a new job!
I'd say that most of time this is inevitable. It's hard to get something right the first time, because getting it wrong is part of the learning process.
That's why I suggested to find a company that will help you get an experience. Chance is that you're gonna work with people more experienced or smarter than you and they will support you.
So like I said, nothing wrong with tech debt, it's a byproduct in our industry that we just have to accept and deal with.
If learning is so important to you, for whatever reason, you should get a job that will let you use new technology to gain experience.
I just don't think it's possible to get to know everything in your spare time. Spend that time on something you actually enjoy or you will burn out sooner or later.