I did my job very well for more than a handful of companies - all was great until it came to promotions and pay raises. It is possible that I suck at negotiating, but there is only so much of those that companies can/will give.

I don’t know if side hustles are the answer, but I know from experience however hard you work, there is a limit to awards at your job. Plus, employers do not care about their employees in general. Anyone who believes they care is just delusional.

Focusing on one thing is good, the trick is picking the right thing to focus on.