The easiest way is to work on a side project (of your choice) and explore what technologies would be best.
For example, why not try to write a HTML5 game? Even if its something relatively simple like a platformer, you will have opportunity to learn a bunch of technologies and actually have an end product (if you have the stamina)
Good idea. With my pet project (artJutsu) I've already experimented a lot with jQuery's ajax call to asp.Net web services. The results actually changed the way I approach problems at my 9-5.
I should figure out how to incorporate this html5 game dynamic into the site somehow. Perhaps as a chat-game project. Who knows what cool things I can learn from this.
Exposure is the greatest thing a developer can have. It helps spur up innovations. Kinda like a kid with an Erector set.
It seems to be that in your 9-5 you cant play with new stuff and you're learning on your on time and not getting paid for that, start doing it in your job or change job now, you're bringing more value to were you are than they pay to you
For example, why not try to write a HTML5 game? Even if its something relatively simple like a platformer, you will have opportunity to learn a bunch of technologies and actually have an end product (if you have the stamina)