[frankie_t]

It really depends on your goals. Why would someone want to become a better software engineer? To me, the things you listed aren't fun, so I wouldn't do them in my spare time unless I see the benefit in it.

If we are talking making more money at a job, I'd say that for most people I worked with and me included there are more important things to concentrate on. Like, soft skills, communicating clearly, understanding politics at work.

Myself, I'm okay with learning things you listed from more senior colleagues, on the job, and just having fun in my spare time.