I found this unjustified discomfort in reading tech books that don't directly apply to my work in the office. Something like Designing Data Intensive Applications would help you to evolve as an engineer the benefits of which will positively impact your work and projects you work on in the longer term, but might not add any immediate value to your short term deliverables at work. Still, would you take out time during your work-hours to read such books, and if yes where do you read them? However, I have seen folks take online courses or read up blogs of similar nature during work. But as long as it is on the computer screen and not a book, it seems to go unnoticed and not talked about.
Ditto I feel only screen feels right at work
I usually sit somewhere away from my desk. Friday’s just do it at the desk. Miss the old cubicles
I've seen people do it. Honestly, I started respecting them a bit more for doing what they think is right.
I read tech books at lunch if I'm not with coworkers or for a 15-30 min break in the afternoon
I don't understand "unnoticed" part. In SW companies why would some1 bother if I am reading. My CEO wrote a book and gave me to read...your CEO started by selling book...face has "book".... Execute your work the way you want at your desk/cube/office/home Still uncomfortable.. book a room.
reading the book on screen would solve the issue but I would so love to do work while not looking at a screen
I think it's a good idea to take time for self-improvement. Courses at work - definitely. Books - I haven't done it myself, but see nothing wrong with it.
What kind of courses do you take?
Mostly whatever the company provides on leadership, communication, etc.