The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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by Mark Anthony Dyson

Remote Work Sucks if Your Internet Lacks These Things

Remote Work Sucks if Your Internet Lacks These Things
Fret not, Ye of little download speed. It’s a fraction of your problems if you’re starting a new remote job. If you’re anticipating working remotely for the first time, then hang on. I’ll try to make this guide as useful and as short as possible.
It’s vital to your new job to have the least amount of tech problems.
You will have Internet problems. There are underestimated problems of the things you can prevent you didn’t expect.
  1. Security software
We can argue later what software to use, but something is better than nothing. Most cable services have a suite either built into their services or offer it as part of their proprietary services.
  1. A VPN (Virtual Private Network)
There was a time when a VPN was best used for traveling and remaining incognito in the land of free Internet anyone can access. With many people accessing the Internet from home during COVID-19 creates a haven for those looking to disrupt services.
  1. Your ability to control access.
Cable services and hotspots have control over who can use it. It amazes me how many people don’t spend the time complicating their passwords to control who’s in and who’s not. Anyone can be a predator looking for an opportunity to hijack someone’s service.
  1. A help desk contact. 
All of us need someone to help us troubleshoot problems from our home computer. Besides, numbers to our Internet services should also understand our routers and it’s range and limitations. Routers need to be exchanged for updated ones every few years, and less if upgrading speeds.
  1. The exclusive IP address for work.
Depending on your package, you may experience slower speeds because too many others need access simultaneously. Uploading and downloading at certain times is often problematic, especially while kids are at home. You can check this IRS page to see if you would qualify for a tax write-off for your Internet service for work.
  1. Mobile control and production
You can completely control your Wi-Fi access and functionality through the apps from your phone. You can also type documents and print them from your phone. Arguably, today’s phone is more powerful than your laptop, with applications for each function quickly assessable from your phone any place and any time.
  1. Video conference on immediate demand
There is a combination of other things on this list, limiting video conferencing at the drop of a hat. It is worth expediting the transition with help and testing before the need arises.
Remain vigilant of your Internet’s behavior during inclement weather
Your Internet can act upon sunny days as much as precipitous days. Mine acts up when there’s a lot of wind (I live in Chicago, the “Windy City”). My Internet provides a couple of alternative connections in my area when my home connection is affected. Know your options and how to connect so you won’t lose precious time when there are interruptions.
The more you know about your options, the more you can control your workflow and have solutions readily available. I know how frustrating it can be when things beyond your control happen, yet the answers are simple and somewhat anticipatory. Know your alternatives will make working remotely smoother, yet, problems are inevitable.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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Filed Under: Remote Work Tagged With: remote work, remotely working, working remotely

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Logistics is Everything Working Remotely (the 1st. 90 days)

Logistics is Everything Working Remotely (the 1st. 90 days)

There are many things to forget than to remember if Zoom isn’t already a staple in your life:

  1. You forget you have a landline that only rings when you’re on a Zoom call.
  2. You remembered the notification alerts are for everything.
  3. Silence is not always golden with kids under ten years old.
  4. Mom always calls the landline, then the cell, then the landline again if you don’t answer.
  5. Amazon rings the doorbell, then drops the package off, and drives off before you get to the door. Multiple deliveries now make you a target for scrutiny of all types.
  6. You didn’t turn the ringer off of your cell.
  7. It’s good your camera is on, but your audio is muted. You had an excellent chime-in comment to make
  8. Your Wi-fi signal is too weak for a basement office connection. Now you’ll need to put your kid’s bedroom in the basement…no, that won’t work.
  9. Snoopy barks at all things crawling, rolling, and squeaking.
  10. It’s good you have a keyboard cover in case of a spill, cat hair shedding (cats love keyboards or wherever your attention is focused), or crumbs. Keyboards need cleaning now and then.
  11. The outlet does not work. It has one less hole. You’ll need what they call an adapter.

Logistics matter in your first 90 days working remotely. It could wrongly or mislead your brand down a path of no return. But everything will be fine if you continuously tweak your surroundings.

And talk to everyone in your household to set expectations. Realistic expectations that is (translation: Quiet!).

Oh yeah, your employer sent you the equipment a couple of weeks ago, and you don’t have it. Today is the first day. Back up plan? Every company doesn’t have a list of things your need for remote working yet.

Maybe there are mobile alternatives to access from your phone? Perhaps a disaster recovery plan in case of all things electronic become disabled?

Well, logistics matter in those first 90 days.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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Filed Under: Remote Work, Workplace Tagged With: flex jobs, remote, remote work, remotely working

by Mark Anthony Dyson

How to Find a Remote Job—Fast!

How  to Find a Remote Job—Fast!
http://traffic.libsyn.com/thevoiceofjobseekers/thevoiceofjobseekers217.mp3

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I rarely talk about finding any kind of job fast, but I’m making an exception for this episode. Some people are in an abrupt unemployment situation. Many will need to find a new career because it’s their industry is facing a significant downturn. I invited fellow Payscale contributor and career coach Octavia Goredema to lend her thoughts in finding a job faster.

More about Octavia:

She is the founder of twentytengency.com and also OctaviaGoredema.com and has helped many with their career goals and aspirations. She has appeared in Black Enterprise, The Guardian, and Payscale.

Got something to say? Got a topic for the show? Disagree?

– Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number
– Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message
– Send email feedback to [email protected]

Here are highlights from our conversation:

-Get clear on your offerings
-Ask your network/Talk to people you know
-We all have an ask, and we all have a need – Let people know
-Think about where you would look if someone asked you
-Integration of online and offline job search particularly for blue-collar workers
-Use all connections and feel more comfortable in asking for what you need/what
-Patience is essential as things are changing daily
-The larger network is best because it increases your changes
-Start getting references and referrals
-Start building your network for the future
May 28 will be the last show before I go on my annual summer hiatus. The show will feature my friend Cynthia Pong, J.D., as we talk about how people and women of color can negotiate better pay. The first show next year (8th year) will be September 15.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

  • Mail
  • |
  • Web
  • |
  • Twitter
  • |
  • Facebook
  • |
  • LinkedIn
  • |
  • More Posts(756)

Filed Under: Job Search, Remote Work Tagged With: Job Search, remote jobs, remote work, remote working, Work from home

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I moderated a panel on Wealth Management for executives by Black Enterprise Magazine in October 2023 in Miami.

I was interviewed on Scripps News show, “The Why!” 4/13/2023

I talked with John Tarnoff and Kerry Hannon of “The Second Act” podcast about job searching after 50 in October 2022.

I was on “The Career Confidante” podcast to talk about “boomerang employees” and “job fishing” in June 2022.

Making Job Search a Lifestyle With “Dr. Dawn Graham on Careers,” SiriusXM Ch. 132, Wharton School of Business May 2021

In May 2020, I talked with LinkedIn’s Senior News Editor Andrew Seaman on “#GetHired” Live.”

Beverly Jones, host of the NPR podcast “Jazzed About Work,” invited me back to talk job scams, job search trends, and AI tools in April 2024

WOUB Digital · Episode 183 : Job search expert Mark Dyson says beware of scams, know AI & keep learning

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