When my contracted hours were lower I used to do a lot of research in my own time. My wife works nights and I work days so there are no spousal problems on that front.

Now I am expected to work every hour God sends I do absolutely no research whatsover in my own time.

Why?

Because by the time I get home and have fed the kids, done a few essential chores, I am absolutely beat. I am so tired I cannot summon the concentration to play solitaire, much less the concentration required to learn something new.

Come the weekend, I have spent my entire week doing work or chores. I haven't had a breath of fresh air all week and I haven't seen the wife all week.

I have absolutely no motivation for being couped up over a computer screen on what is probably the only sunny day I am going to see all month.

I think it is more realistic to ask my employer for TIME to do research. Set aside 1 or 2 hours a week during the working day to research a new subject. It costs the employer time, but ultimately they should look at that time as an investment.