I've heard some researcher saying that a way to manage this is to dedicate a part of your time to risky research, and the rest to less risky research. So you s

I've heard some researcher saying that a way to manage this is to dedicate a part of your time to risky research, and the rest to less risky research. So you still publish, but also get to explore "interesting" stuff (that also needs to be researched). You are covered by your less risky activity. So, a single number 20%-30% of the time, and a color 70%-80% of the time. And your risky activity could become your comfortable zone if it takes. Getting published is not the only worthy thing. The content itself and how you enjoy the thing too.