The key thing I recommend is to *prioritize who you want to work for* (or have as clients). People who will care about your well-being. Find what they need and

The key thing I recommend is to *prioritize who you want to work for* (or have as clients). People who will care about your well-being. Find what they need and try to match your skills. I had my own startup at some time, and worked for both other people's startups and for big corps. I used to maximize career and CV over quality of life. I was easy prey to assholes/takers/sociopaths. Burned 15 years of my life without much to show. On the upside, I really appreciate now working for good bosses and good leaders. I could easily earn 1.5-2x in a soulless corporate job. But I know my current employer would go out of its way to try to not screw me over while the 2x employer will throw me under the bus the second I stop being useful. You can study or do research on your spare time. Good bosses will understand if you eventually move on. And some might even help you progress against their convenience.