For some, a vacation represents sacred time, during which no work can be done under any circumstances. For others, however, catching up on a little bit of work during a trip might be a means of keeping everything practical and affordable, and even extending the length of the vacation. If you’re running your own business, then you might consider it essential that you check in every now and then.
Fortunately, the modern internet makes this quite straightforward. But we shouldn’t blithely log on while we’re away. It’s essential that we make ourselves aware of the risks we face. So, what do these risks look like?
Ensure connectivity
If you don’t have an internet connection that you can rely on, then you won’t be able to work. Look at the WiFi options near where you’re staying. It might be that you have a hotel, villa, or cabin with a built-in network. Or, you might need to spend a few hours each day in the cafe across the street.
Bear in mind the risks before you log on to public WiFi or set up a mobile hotspot. To keep your data secure and to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks, a VPN for iPhone can be a game-changer.
Set boundaries
There’s very little point in going on vacation if you end up spending long hours working. You’ll end up missing out on the mental refresh and the ensuing uptick in productivity that a good break can provide.
Be clear about your availability, and ensure that your work hours are precisely defined. Let everyone you work with know when they can expect to reach you, and when they can’t.
Choose your workspace
All effective home workers understand the value of a good space. This should be free of distraction and filled with natural light. Ideally, you’ll also want to be able to see the screen in front of you without worrying about glare. Once you have a space set out, you’ll be able to squeeze maximum productivity from the hours you have available.
Adhere to work policies
If you’re not self-employed, then you might need to adhere to certain policies when it comes to remote work. This might mean using a particular piece of software. The territory you’re working from might also impose certain requirements in the form of visa restrictions.
Make sure that you know what’s expected of you, and that you have a plan for meeting all of these expectations.
