Within IT you may feel like you always have to be up to date with the latest technologies so you don't fall behind. While continuous learning is necessary for a strong career, the technology usually moves too fast to know everything and can provoke feelings of falling behind.

What to do about it?

1. Focus on skills relevant to your career

This way you can tune out what is irrelevant for progressing your career. Whenever you see or hear of a new cool technology that every kid on the block is talking about, instead of jumping straight into learning it, evaluate whether it's truly necessary for you at this point.

If it is, then pace yourself and focus on learning it step by step and celebrate small achievements in your learning journey.

If it's irrelevant, then I would advise not to jump on the wagon to learn it unless you are sure you can handle it.

2. Applying what you learn

Learning things just for fun is… well fun. Yet, more often than not you will forget all about them in a couple of months, unless you use them.

If you can use it at work - great, do it! Solving real problems not only helps you learn better, but also put the technology to the test and whether it's actually worth the hype.

If you cannot use it at work, then it all depends on your current state. If you are already overwhelmed, I would advise against using it in a side project after work.

If you are not stressed out and have the time and energy for a side project, try it out. Try to use it to solve a real life problem that you have. That way you will have the motivation to follow through.