Tips and Tricks For New Remote Workers
The coronavirus pandemic has opened up a new world of work for countless professionals. More people than ever before can work from any place with an internet connection, but choosing the perfect spot isn't always straightforward.
When working remotely, you need to make sure your workspace has certain must-haves, like a fast and stable internet connection and a comfortable workspace.
Sometimes, it’s incredibly difficult to get those basic work needs met. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make sure you can get your work done no matter where you are.
How to (effectively) work remotely
I’m all-too-familiar with the difficulties that come with remote work — my freelance copywriting business has allowed me to work remotely for the better part of a decade. Sometimes, I work abroad for months at a time. Right now, I’m living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. But, most of the time, I work from a home office or coworking space in the U.S.
I’ve learned a thing or two, and that’s why Intelligent Office asked me to share some tips and tricks. Here's a real-world account of what it's like to work remotely, including information you can use to find the perfect remote set-up for your career.
Remember, remote work doesn’t mean you have to become a digital nomad
There’s a certain allure to traveling around the world, hopping from one captivating city to the next. This trend is common among digital nomads, and it’s easy to assume that globe-trotting is the way to work online.
Working remotely doesn’t mean you need to be a globe-trotting digital nomad — there’s space for all different kinds of work arrangements under the “remote work” umbrella. The ability to travel is one of the many perks of this lifestyle, but it’s not a requirement.
Get your technology in order
Modern work tends to happen on a computer, so your first order of business is making sure your technology stack is remote-work ready.
Here’s a peek at my own set-up:
- MacBook Pro
- iPad to use as a second screen
- Moft laptop stand (The stand sticks to the bottom of your laptop — this product has been a game-changer for improving ergonomics at my workspace without extra bulk)
- Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
- Travel router (this has saved me many, many times)
- Good headphones
- Portable battery (I recently picked up this one, which can easily charge my laptop)
- Charging cables for your devices (I’m a fan of retractable multi-cables, like this one)
- A backpack or briefcase (I’m still on the hunt for the perfect professional backpack, but this one comes highly recommended by many remote workers I speak with)
Your own setup might look different if you aren’t moving around often, but this list is a great starting point. I can easily transport my tech from my home to my coworking space, which is my main priority since I split my work time between both places.
Make your workspace as comfortable as possible
I’m a big believer in working from places that make it easy to stay focused and productive.
This one can be tricky, especially if you aren’t working from a space that’s designed for working (like a coffee shop or your kitchen table). Some of the tools I mentioned above, like the laptop stand and good headphones, make things a lot easier.
When I first started working remotely, I’d set up shop darn near anywhere. While I still enjoy working from coffee shops and my kitchen table, I’m much pickier these days.
Consider coworking or renting a private office space
No matter where you choose to work from, there’s probably a coworking space or virtual office provider nearby. I rarely utilized these spaces during the early years of my copywriting career. As my business grew, I relied more and more on rentable office space.
There’s something about working from a space that’s meant for modern work — it’s so much easier to be productive.
If you struggle to work from home, this is an option worth trying. If a shared coworking setup doesn’t appeal to you, you can always rent a private office space.
You can find these rentable spaces through a quick online search, or click the “Locations” link at the top of this page to see if there’s an Intelligent Office location near you. If you’re looking for a private office space, and don’t want to compromise just because you’re on a budget, definitely get in touch with your local IO branch.
Plus, a private office is the best way to work safely during the ongoing pandemic.
Are you ready to try working remotely?
The coronavirus pandemic has been full of negatives, but I’ve enjoyed watching more and more people experience the freedom that comes with remote work.
It’s easier than ever before, and there are so many ways to find your ideal remote work set-up. Use these tips to get started, and before you know it, you’ll figure out what works best for you and your career.
