remotely working Archives - The Voice of Job Seekers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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:

You forget you have a landline that only rings when you’re on a Zoom call.
You remembered the notification alerts are for everything.
Silence is not always golden with kids under ten years old.
Mom always calls the landline, then the cell, then the landline again if you don’t answer.
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.
You didn’t turn the ringer off of your cell.
It’s good your camera is on, but your audio is muted. You had an excellent chime-in comment to make
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.
Snoopy barks at all things crawling, rolling, and squeaking.
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.
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.

2021 is around the corner. 421 Modern Job Search Tips for 2021 is coming soon! Sign up now!

About Mark Anthony Dyson

About Mark Anthony Dyson