2 years a go we were student and language learners and users, and we were more of learners in terms of many subjects, like economy, finance, entrepreneurship...learning could be our mission at that time. Now we are no longer students but professionals working in different areas, which means we are pure users than learners.
Do we stop learning after leaving school? We are still learning everyday but in different ways. Books and lectures seem to be impossible since we are on hectic schedules, we learn more by doing. Your research on Chinese Internet could be a good example.
Learn as you need but not you are asked:) Take your time and do what you enjoy.
