What's disappointing is the 9 - 5 job that doesn't teach your anything nor provide much time or ability to learn it on your own. That actively discourages on-t

What's disappointing is the 9 - 5 job that doesn't teach your anything nor provide much time or ability to learn it on your own. That actively discourages on-the-job self-development and innovation. And yes, they exist. A lot of "grow our employees" language is, when the rubber meets the road, hogwash. I don't advocate endless additional work off-hours, unless you are really into it. And in the latter case, I'd suggest it be for your own, personal benefit and not simply to make you better at your job. Unless it's a job you love and you otherwise have what you need. But, when the job's a dead end in terms of personal growth, you're going to have to invest in off hours (self) development. Or be prepared to: 1) Move to management, if you can get on that career track (given the precondition, not a good sign with respect to the quality of your organization, BTW); 2) Stay in a very protected niche; 3) Face the end of your career before too long.