In the world of IT, where technologies develop at the speed of light, it's crucial to understand not only what to learn but also when to do it. In this presentation, we will explore a practical approach to the professional development of an IT specialist and figure out how to effectively track industry innovations without compromising your main work. We will discuss what truly influences your value as a developer, when it's worth investing time in learning new technologies, and how this relates to other important skills - from English proficiency to understanding the business value of projects. The presentation will be useful for both beginners who are just entering the job market and experienced developers who strive to remain competitive.