RE: Sneaking in flights before/after work.
I fly a lot after work. Charging, changing clothes and dinner provide some breaks. Occasionally, a buddy will show up for some company. This year started alternating flights between the pattern plane and heli. It is a fun distraction.
Definitely less productive than the weekends. Some nights five flights plus heli or foamy time and other nights maybe two productive flights and another trimming and practicing lines and rolls. I try to force at least a ten minute break between flights and if I can't concentrate then I go home. Knowing when to stop and not agonizing over low productivity is important.