I'm in a rather demanding team with an on-call rotation, so I'm not finding it possible to invest in actually doing my own things unless I overwork myself.
How did it work out for you?
Also look into moving to a less demanding team. If you're happy with your income you don't need to work crazy hard and push yourself in work. Move to a chill team, get a 4 day week and you'll have more time and energy to do research yourself.
The idea of going to a more chill team never occurred to me, but it does sound like a solution. Then I could maybe receive similar compensation but allow more time for studying on my own.
Watching a little less TV.
Having a long view, rather thinking I could become competent in ______ in weeks, but instead months or years. (and being CONTENT with that)
It's not fast. It's not easy. It has worked for me.