How Do You Balance Learning New Tech Skills While Managing Client Projects?

As developers, designers and digital marketers, we are constantly trying to stay updated with new tools, frameworks & best practices. But juggling that with client deadlines, meetings & project work feels overwhelming sometimes.

How do you personally balance learning new tech skills (like a new JS framework, SEO strategy or design trend) while still delivering quality work on time for clients?

  • Do you schedule learning time weekly?
  • Do you only learn “on demand” when a project needs it?
  • Or do you dedicate certain seasons to pure learning?
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Who’s ‘we’?

I dont have those.

I wish i could do 3, but 2.

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Totally hear you, client work always takes priority & sometimes it feels like there is just no gas left in the tank for learning new stuff.

I wonder if there is value in even tiny wins? like sneaking in 10 minutes a day or learning on the go when a project needs it. has anyone here found a small way to keep growing without it feeling overwhelming?

First client, then new stuff. Set a goal and learn-on-demand for reaching that goal…

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I learn when the need arises. If a project calls for a new framework, SEO approach, or design method, I dive into it right then. Learning feels more meaningful when it’s connected to real work.

I set aside small blocks of time during the week for exploration. Usually early mornings or Friday afternoons. It’s a low-pressure space to read, test tools, or watch a talk. Even brief sessions keep me in touch with what’s changing.

During slower months, I go deeper. I’ll take a week or two to focus on bigger topics — rebuilding part of my stack, trying new workflows, or finishing a course. These periods give me a creative reset.

For me, learning isn’t separate from work. It’s part of staying sharp, delivering better outcomes, and keeping the spark alive.

I block an hour weekly for focused learning. It keeps me fresh without falling behind on client work.