Self-Service learning
I have for some time engages in sefl-service, on-demand learning through the internet. A couple of well established institutions have provided for free their course materials. Most of the day I am working at the office and the rest goes to my family, I am unable to engage on formal learning sessions, so distance learning comes in very handy.
It does take a while to get used to learning on your own, but after a while, you do get a hang of things and it feels much the same. It’s a flexible option for people who either have limited time, non fixed time and geographical constraints on formal learning.
I have already finished a couple of courses from OU, http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/, and I am very happy to say that I have learned much from the experience, I have made it a part of my daily routine and it is a regular habit to finish atleast one chapter per day including the activity.
I also squeeze in a couple of minutes to learning mandarin, also free from the web, 1 chapter a day as well, just enough info to digest and effectively practice proper pronounciation. Here’s the link for those who are interested, http://www.chinese-tools.com.
I do both during my mid-day break while taking my lunch and I am happy to be productive and efficient with my time; achieving time efficiency by managing activities well and learning as well. One of the course I took on OU was for time management and it has helped me refine more my daily schedule, achieving 20% efficiency while giving me extra time which I spend with my family.
Another option for the tech savy is MIT Open Courseware, http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/courses/courses/index.htm.
I do try to continue the learning on the weekend but I find it hard and I have focused both days to my family and I find it strikes the right balance of work and personal life so I will very likely continue this way.
Please do remember that no one solution will fit for all and that you should just use what you learn outside to start you off, eventually you should be able to evolve and refine to what fits you best.