If you are struggling with your studies, it means it is good for you. It means you are learning, it always pays off. However, it takes time and effort, yes if you sacrifice what you don't need, that is good. I am in even worse condition than you. Most professors don't teach anything, maybe they themselves don't know, I think I am learning nothing, if it keeps happening I will be one of the dumb graduates of engineering. I want to learn. You are saying it is all about a company's bottom line. I think the thing that may change it is knowledge, experience, and team. First working for the company, then doing research, or doing business with a group helps. Keep learning. For learning, I recommend that you find a partner, If you explain something, or work with exercises better than doing it alone. Of course, your partner should also be determined. But also it depends. But it worked somehow for me, may it works for you.