3 Mistakes to Avoid When Working Remotely September 13, 2022
So, you're a freelancer, or perhaps you're running your own business, and you're looking for ways to make it easier to get things done. No matter where you are on the planet, there are always ways to improve your workflow — whether that means working from home or on the move. In this article, we'll look at some common mistakes that are made when working remotely and hopefully help avoid them in the future.
01. Avoid not assigning a delimited workstation wherever you are. #
Working remotely is one of the best things that have happened to us in recent years. We can work when we want, where we want, and with whom we want. But there are also some drawbacks. One of the most common mistakes that people make when working remotely is not assigning a delimited workspace.
Most of the time you probably think - what if I just work directly from my cozy bed today?, is not a bad idea but being realistic, you won't be as much productive or efficient as you want, because you will be trying to work in a space that is estimated to relax and sleep.
When you don't delimit a "workstation" space, even if it's just a desk and a chair, you might fall into the trap of thinking about being elsewhere because of so many distractions that surround you.
You can also read: Are You A Digital Nomad? A blog about how digital nomads can stay safe when traveling
For that reason, it's essential to have a place where you can work comfortably on your projects. It is important to mention that this doesn’t mean that you should sit down at home and do nothing. In order to be productive and efficient, you also need to define a to-do list, so will be able to focus on your work tasks without any distractions or interruptions from other people or things around you (like pets).
It's the same thing if you work traveling, it will be crucial to find coffee shops or coworking places where you also feel comfortable. Remember those places have to provide you with the ideal environment to concentrate and get your work done.
02. Avoid not keeping a regular schedule. #
Define a “regular schedule” on your own terms, really. We are not talking about sitting in a chair in front of your 2-3 monitors for 8 hours straight, if not, the complete opposite. A regular schedule doesn't mean doing and living your day by how society has made you think you should.
We often view routines with a negative connotation, however, routines can sometimes keep us sane in this constantly changing and evolving world, more if you’re the one in charge of your environment. Your daily routine and schedule can look completely different from your friends’, parents', and even significant others’ schedules, and that’s okay! We are all doing different things, in different areas, in different ways.
However, one thing in common is that we all must set schedules to not only have high-efficiency work results but also to truly enjoy those off-work times, where we go out to eat or drink coffee, travel, exercise, or just coexist we those we love and appreciate.
If you often find yourself feeling burned out, out of ideas, or lacking motivation, practice taking a 5 to 15 minutes break every hour or so, to defocus and destress yourself to come back refreshed and ready to complete your tasks step by step.
03. Avoid sharing your computer with others. #
If your computer is visible from the outside world and accessible to anyone who has access, it may pose a security risk. This includes sharing a work computer with family members or housemates, as well as using other people's computers for personal use.
Also read: Can You See Me Now? A blog about taking care of your digital footprint.
If you are a freelancer, remote consultant, or any other remote worker really, make sure your computer is always protected anywhere you go. Many ways to protect your computer and its information include:
- Installing a trustworthy VPN. #
A VPN works as an additional layer of security and privacy within your computer and public/private networks through an encrypted server.
- Not using the same passwords for multiple accounts. #
Create a unique password with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. You can even look up secure password generators or similar.
- Having your personal information somewhere else safer. #
One thing for sure is that you shouldn’t mix business and personal matters. The same goes for your computer! However, we know that as a freelancer or digital nomad, sometimes you can only have one, which is why we highly suggest you have your personal information and data securely stored, encrypted and accessible from any mobile device, in case something happens with your computer.
Having your most important documents and information such as service details (bank accounts, social media, and email deets, phone bills, and more!), files like birth certificates, insurance, passports, ID copies, and more can be a life-saving deal. Having that sensitive information in a fully end-to-end encrypted service is even better! A dream come true if you ask me.
That’s what HelpYouFind.Me is all about. With its end-to-end encrypted platform, no one other than you and those you choose would ever have access to that information. This can be incredibly helpful on a daily basis but also in emergency situations where you may need to share all types of personal data with your most trusted and loved ones.
Closing up, living on! #
The possibility of working remotely has come to change the way we have traditionally looked at work before. Many have been Digital Nomads their whole lives, others, are only getting started.
Over the years, we've met this kind of worker in many places. Some of them are traveling the world with their families, others are on a long-term vacation. Some of them have never left their hometown, but they try to stay productive in their cozy apartments, while others utilize coworking facilities. But the main point is that working remotely allows you to live your life in the way that you want it to be. It might even spark your inspiration for new and exciting projects that could lead you to entirely new directions in life and work.
The tips above should help you avoid some common mistakes that are made when working remotely—whether you're someone who's just started their virtual journey or is looking to perfect the art of remote work. Remote work is still new, and there's plenty of room for improvement. By thinking critically about the remote work experience, we can continue to push the boundaries of what it means and make it even better.
Would you like to share what other mistakes to avoid? We can read you in the comments, which can be useful to people that are interested in starting working remotely.
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Adriana Lopez
