Here's how you can make time to learn new technical support skills outside of work hours.

Developing technical support skills outside of work hours is a great way to enhance your expertise and stay competitive. Lifelong Learning Find a Mentor Time Management and Prioritization

1. Know what your short term plans are. 2. Plan according to it. 3. Is it learning a new coding language, automation, cloud computing, security etc.

Start by identifying your learning goals and prioritizing them. Determine which skills are most relevant to your career advancement or job performance. Create a list of specific, achievable objectives, such as mastering a new software tool, earning a certification, or improving troubleshooting techniques. Prioritizing your goals helps in focusing your efforts and ensuring that your learning activities align with your professional aspirations.

Many online platforms offer bite-sized courses or tutorials that you can complete in short bursts. Look for platforms with micro-learning content focused on specific technical skills relevant to your field. Subscribe to tech blogs or websites relevant to your field. Many offer insightful articles, troubleshooting guides, and industry updates you can consume during short breaks or commutes. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day, block out time in your calendar specifically for learning new skills. Treat this time seriously and avoid distractions to maximize your learning efficiency.

Once you have set your learning goals, incorporate them into your daily or weekly schedule. Dedicate specific time slots for learning, just as you would for any other important activity. Whether it’s an hour every evening or a few hours on weekends, consistency is key. Use tools like calendars or scheduling apps to set reminders and ensure you stick to your learning plan. Scheduling wisely helps in creating a routine and making learning a regular part of your life.

1. Plan how to learn them during work and after work. 2. If the new goal is from something related to your daily work, then it would be easy for you. 3. If its out of you scope or something you have not worked on but want to in the future, hence you need to learn this, then try to create a virtual environment at work and practice during free time or take half of your lunch break and use it.

1. Online platforms are so convenient and almost cheap or free. 2. Having the luxury of viewing videos from mobile and laptop on the go. 3. Subscribing to eBooks is another way of learning theory if your most of a old school person.

Take advantage of the vast array of resources available for learning new technical support skills. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight offer courses on various topics. Join relevant forums, attend webinars, and subscribe to industry newsletters. Utilizing free and paid resources can provide you with diverse learning materials and keep you engaged. Additionally, many resources offer flexible learning options, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

1. Informing the people around you also helps as they will not trouble you unless no other way. 2. Mobile in the number one enemy, make sure its out of arms reach. 3. Try to keep focus and concentrate hard. 4. Get involved with it in such a way that it makes it interesting.

When you set aside time for learning, ensure that you stay focused and minimize distractions. Find a quiet place to study, turn off notifications, and set clear boundaries to avoid interruptions. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused intervals with short breaks in between, to maintain concentration. Staying focused during your learning sessions maximizes productivity and helps you retain information better.

1. Everything doesn't always go in our way or how we wished it would go. 2. There will be U-turns or diversions. 3. If you miss a practice slot or a full day, its fine, be motivated from it rather than been sad, cover it up or complete one additional stage in the next session.

Life can be unpredictable, and sticking to a rigid schedule might not always be feasible. Be adaptable and ready to adjust your learning plan as needed. If you miss a scheduled session, find another time to make it up. Flexibility ensures that you don’t get discouraged by setbacks and can continue progressing towards your learning goals. Adaptability also means being open to new learning methods and resources that might better suit your lifestyle and preferences.

1. Take a break, step back and analyze overall and reflect on it. 2. Tick the checkbox of progress and see how you have done. 3. Rate yourself.

Take time to reflect on your learning progress regularly. Assess what you have learned, how it applies to your job, and what areas still need improvement. Reflecting helps in reinforcing knowledge and identifying any gaps that need to be addressed. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate your achievements and stay motivated. Regular reflection ensures that your learning efforts are effective and aligned with your goals.

1. You have come so far, now don't stop or turn back. 2. No regrets in the decision you have made. 3. Do not take short cut or go to a new learning from here, while this is half way done.