Is compromising on the client deliverables the only way to make time for upskilling
Context
Age: 30 Current Company: TCS Current Compensation: 19 LPA YOE: 4 Designation: Senior UX Designer.
The client I have been working for is a US based tech conglomerate and they are happy with my work. I make sure I deliver all the requirements on time without compromising on the quality, document my work very well, be available for any support and troubleshooting. Though the work is hectic, I am happy that I am able to grow and learn new things. I work on the weekends, holidays without any comp off and I also sometimes work late in the night at 2 AM etc. I admit that I am burnt out but since I am recognised and appreciated for my work, it motivates me to continue the grind. I make sure that the quality f my work isn't questioned as the standard the client has is pretty high.
Due to this, I am unable to upskill, work on my own profile and prepare for interviews. I am a graduate from a tier 1 institute for the field I work in and all my peers are earning 36+ LPA. I know that I need to upskill, switch jobs as that is the only way out. I take more time than necessary to complete tasks and hence I have to work beyond the designated hours. Now for me to take up time for upskilling, the only way out is to deliver the bare minimum that can help me to continue to be allocated while I upskill myself to make a switch. I have wasted years of my life by being in TCS and it's high time for me to make a switch. I am underconfident in terms of my skills and all i have to do is to work on my own skills.
Is delivering mediocre quality of work the only way out? I don't want to do this as my work is my identity but I see no way out in order to make time. Please help me out.
As controversial as it may sound to some, there's a popular saying in corporate - "Act your wage".
19 LPA shouldn't make you work till 2 AM. In my opinion, no amount of money should.
If they decide to sack you tomorrow and you've nowhere else to go, would you be able to take pride in the work you did. Remember, the workers who row the boats day and night have no energy left to swim if the boat sinks. Focus a little on your well being, for that will help you go far.
@dhoomtanananana I understand. I have issues with staying focused and paying attention (thanks to ADHD). I want to wrap my work by 6 PM tops but i am unable to do so as i do a lot of rework due to poor planning and managing time. I am extremely inefficient in utilizing my time at work. What's embarrassing is, I'm facing these issues in TCS which is infamous for it's employees being laid back, unskilled and not working hard. I can't imagine my plight if I was working for a startup.
I totally get your situation. Maybe use TCS as your practice ground to try and organise your schedule more effectively and logging off early. And don't over attach your self worth and identity with the amount and quality of work you push everyday. Somedays, doing the bare minimum is also an achievement. Take care of yourself dude, kaam toh hota rahega.