I'm a bit surprised that EJB is still something folks would consider (and I've been using Java for 20 years), but the answer is simple: no. Smaller, more modern frameworks are the way to go.
EJB is a giant clusterfuck stay away unless you absolutely have to learn it
lol, I wonder though, how many applications currently use it. I figure much Java EE work is working on older applications.
What do you recommend instead?
From my experience looking for jobs, only spend your own time learning the newest stuff. If companies need legacy skills they will train you because job listing for COBOL don't attract as many applicants :)
Yes agreed. Don't waste your time on that and stay away of that monster. There are far better things to learn like how to create REST APIs and using QueryDSL or JOOQ for databases.