How 3,500 hours of studying secured my career

I have worked at my current company since 2008 - more than 16 years now. At first, I was assigned administrative tasks that had little to do with my expertise.

Instead of complaining, I gave my best effort and completed every task, big or small, to the best of my ability. Over time, I became a key-person in the company.

A person is studying. Illustration photo by Pexels

After the Covid-19 pandemic, my company continued operating as usual. However, that period made me reflect on my career and future. I married late and now have two school-aged children—the youngest just five years old. I asked myself, "What if the company shuts down or lays me off? How will I support my family then?"

Determined to secure my future, I focused on improving my skills. Between work, business trips, and parenting, I barely had any free time. To make it work, I started waking up at 4 a.m. to study. By 6 a.m., when my family woke up, I was already preparing for my workday. This routine was demanding, but it allowed me to accumulate over 700 hours of studying per year. After five years, I had gained more than 3,500 hours of knowledge.

Now, I have a side income, a master's degree, and I am working on my PhD. I no longer worry about losing my job. My goal after earning my PhD is to move into the education industry and expand my business. My point is simple: If you want something enough, you'll find a way. There's always a path.

As for loyalty to my current company, I believe labor is a special kind of commodity—if it is valuable, it sells. The real question is: how do you prove your skills and work efficiency? If you can show results, your salary increases. If not, your pay remains the same.

Most companies follow fixed salary brackets. Paying a new hire significantly more than existing employees creates imbalance. When veteran workers leave, no newcomer, no matter how skilled, can handle everything left behind alone. That hurts business performance. Companies must balance hiring the right talent, managing labor costs, and staying competitive. Likewise, employees must know their worth to get the pay they deserve.