# Investing in Learning By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-03-27 What proportion of work time should be allocated to learning new things? The answer likely depends on several factors (e.g., industry, tenure, strata). When one is new to a work role it seems that nearly all of one’s time is spent learning. Once one is acclimated to the position it might be that very little time is allocated to learning. This, if accurate, is unfortunate. Learning can be both inherently rewarding and organizationally beneficial. Whereas a general rule is likely undesirable, I have found that spending about 20% of my time learning something new is about right. Sometimes this is allocated as one day per week. Sometimes it is allocated as two hours a day. How the learning gets allocated is a function of the topic and the current demands of work. In addition to the benefits already discussed, there is an additional learning benefit. To engage in learning something new is to implicitly admit that one doesn’t know it all. Further, often as one is learning, one isn’t remotely good at what one is doing. As such, learning helps in keeping one humble. This becomes increasingly important as one advance in one’s career. Taking time to learn is a positive act of rebellion. #### Related Items [[Work]] [[Learning]] [[Time]] [[Expertise]]