[zcw100]

I didn’t say you shouldn’t spend personal time on those things but you should expect to be compensated one way or another for it. It’s interesting how people in IT separate their skills from their compensation. If my lawyer or doctor is working weekends I guarantee one way or another they are making damn sure they’re getting compensated for it.

[mcguire]

Most states require between 20 and 50 hours of continuing education for MDs per year. (https://www.boardvitals.com/blog/cme-requirements-by-state/)

Most states seem to require between 8 and 15 hours of CLE per year. (https://www.lawline.com/cle-requirements)

You'll find that with most actual "professions".

[rimliu]

My compensation for learning things "on the side" was always simply getting the better job where you can use the skills you got.

I've taught myself web development and thus got my first job. I've taught myself iOS development and was able to switch to it full time later.

[4thaccount]

That is probably because they are both different jobs. Both doctors and programmers get paid while they're at conferences and shouldn't have to pay for travel, lodging, food, or conference fees. Outside of that, I'm not sure doctors are needing to pick up too many skills outside of what they typically get paid to do.

A rails developer gets paid to make rails apps and maintain them. If you notice that your company will have to pivot soon and another technology will be needed, I hope they allow you to learn on the job, but many are far too shortsighted, so you have to do so outside of work and it's the reality of the situation however stupid.

[pjmlp]

I certainly know teachers, doctors and lawyers that improve themselves out of their own pocket and time.

Unfortunately not everything gets done, or paid for, during work time.