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Working from home necessities
The basic question: what do you need to be able to effectively work from home?
My laptop is almost 10 years old, it's hanging in there, but I'm starting to have a few issues like opening attachments in Word. (Haven't been able to fix it yet, despite trying. I've fixed it once already this year). I'm concerned with this happening again that the computer will not be adequate for a work from home position. But my story is a bit longer and more complicated into why I ask...
I am on a long term disability insurance payment every month. I have been on it for almost 2 years due to not being able to work in my career field (wastewater treatment) "thanks" to MS. I'm now at a 2 year review where they want me to try to find something else. Doctor signed off on my working 4 hours/ day, stationary work. My problem is that because of the fatigue I now get after the episode that left me unable to do my original job- well I don't know if i can even do that. So I'm working with my state DVR, but of course, things are slightly stalled there now with the pandemic- everyone is trying to work remotely and the offices are closed. Everyone has decided the best thing I can do is to give it a try, and the best thing for me to try is a work at home where I can have flexibility in the hours I work. (The hours my ms is good varies widely and unpredictability). I don't really want to spend a bunch of money purchasing things for something that may not work. I know I'll have to get a new computer eventually regardless, so I'm looking at that (and I still can't decide between a laptop or desktop....), but I'm not sure what else I'd need to start working from home? I'm currently using my cell phone as a hotspot, but I don't think that would be fast enough internet connection for a work at home- I can get something else there... Not sure how fast a connection would be needed. And would you have to get a landline, do cellphones work, or does it vary? If you have to get a land line, do companies provide phones or does that also vary? Are there other things that are commonly needed for working from home jobs? Thanks for any practical info you have.
Jennifer FingerThinking with both sides of my brain!
621
04/10/20 at 6:57PM UTC (Edited)
I think at a mimimum you need a computer with all the apps and files you need to do your job, a functional internet connection, a working phone, and a well-lit space free of distractions.
I don't have the latter myself. My apartment is over a dog park and the dog owners in my building bring out their dogs at all times of the day (I've complained to the management when they do it after 10pm but I can't complain if they do so before then because they do have the right to). I am also limited to lamp lights and natural daylight. I can't use ceiling lights because if they burn out I can't change them myself. The building management normally prefers that maintenance do it. But they have decreed that they will only send maintenance up for "emergencies" and burned-out lights don't constitute "emergencies."
Hazelnut1
12
04/07/20 at 6:16PM UTC
I’ve also had good luck reaching
Out to temp agencies asking them about remote work. The banks are hiring hundreds of people right now to work from home to help process small business loan applications for those businesses hit by covid 19 closure. I talked to a rep hiring 400 people for Chase and another rep hiring 200 people for another bank. The 200 people opening can send their resumes to David at [email protected]
Good luck and good health and prosperity to all of us!!!
Caprice Stephen-Doty
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04/07/20 at 2:21PM UTC
Hi Michelle, Please check into refurbished systems on Amazon. I am in a management position with an outsourcing company and run a ton of programs on a daily basis. I got a great system for under $300. I also have MS and I would suggest you apply with NexRep. We have lots of folks like us working from home and are treated fantastically!
MichelleWWorked several positions in the wastewater field
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04/07/20 at 3:48PM UTC
What do you do at NextRep?
Caprice Stephen-Doty
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04/08/20 at 4:10AM UTC
Hi Michelle,
We have a very large array of clients. I am currently a Certification Specialist which means I teach incoming classes. I also do quality and coach my own team as a Resource Specialist. A great perk of NexRep is very flexible scheduling. You are able to choose your own schedule week to week.
Anonymous
04/07/20 at 2:10PM UTC
Focusing on WHERE you can work might be hindering you. Do you have a passion? This might be the time to consider doing something completely different. I know the State of Connecticut has set up people in similar situations with all the tools needed to become a jeweler. (I have no dies if that program stil exists or if they had to have some jewelry experience or classes behind them) But if you can follow your passion, you might be able to make a living and enjoy it. For jewelers, the hours are your own, you might have to have some people skills to network with local stores to get them to display your craft (they usually work on consignment), and consider esty for direct sales. Good luck to you.
Patti Working in tech in Colorado
465
04/07/20 at 1:37PM UTC
My employer provided my laptop and anything else I needed to do my job, except internet service. You will want to find out what kind of internet speed you will need, but I would suggest to get as fast as you can afford if you need things like VPN and will be doing video meetings. A cell phone should be find for communications because a lot of companies are using Skype, Teams, and other VOIP technologies.
Pamela PattonSenior-level creative copywriter.
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04/07/20 at 1:22PM UTC
MichelleW, you keep saying that you have worked in wastewater treatment, and I think that might be limiting your focus. What skills do you have that could transfer to other positions? If you've got a great voice and attitude, you could probably get a position in a call "center" (everyone works from home).
This was posted a couple of weeks ago, and it's a great resource for working remotely. And, no matter what you do, be up front with your disability. Some employers may be in the position where they are required to hire workers with a disability and would welcome you.
Here's the remote job link: https://chasingourfinancialfreedom.com/best-websites-remote-jobs/
Rachel Reynolds
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04/08/20 at 3:30PM UTC
This was what I was going to say as well. Think more about your skills and interests than your work history. What are you great at? You can probably transfer those skills to other workplaces, particularly if you show yourself to be adaptable and eager to learn.
Misherald BrownAmbitious gogetter who always chases her dreams
74
04/07/20 at 1:21PM UTC
As far as cell services contact your cell company and ask them to right fit. Most companies have discounted services for people over 50 and base on income if you go through your department of social services also some cable companies offer great programs for people who are qualify.
MichelleWWorked several positions in the wastewater field
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04/07/20 at 3:46PM UTC
I'm not over 50- and make too much (long term disability insurance for income right now) for those aids. :)
Ruzana GlaeserCo-founder of brightmeetsbrave.com
950
04/06/20 at 5:05PM UTC
Speaking from hiring manager perspective, when I have a good candidate that I want to hire, equipment/technology is something that the company can provide for that person.
Make a list of what you think you might need (which you took the first step here) and then research the cost. Once you are interviewing, the great question to ask would be what's required for somebody to be successful in this position while working remotely (from technology standpoint). I know for me it's computer, cell phone, reliable and fast internet (since i connect through VPN and run multiple software programs). Many companies would be willing to provide a computer, cell phone and pay for internet expense!
I would ask the company to reimburse you for expense. There are so many positions that are ok with remote working right now, don't disregard their ability and willingness to pay for remote work expenses either. They aren't paying for you to be in the office, and that real estate is not cheap either and if you were to work in the office, they would outfit you with a computer, reliable internet service and phone!
MichelleWWorked several positions in the wastewater field
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04/06/20 at 4:18PM UTC
Thanks everyone for sharing your insights. It's very helpful to see everyone's thoughts and experiences on this subject. (And I'm open to hearing more if anyone else reads this and has ideas or info to share.)
Jillian PostBuilding better communication strategies
1.3k
04/06/20 at 3:23PM UTC
Honestly, (and again, I'm not trying to be a downer but I think disappointment is easier when we have real information), it is just trial by fire. Everybody's experience is a little bit different. I have found a couple of interesting things, one is a website called Virtual Careers. https://virtual-careers.com/
They have a Facebook page as well.
This doesn't have anything to do with WFH but it is a typical example of frustrations that arise, even after one does their homework. I decided, what the heck, I'll try shopping for Instacart to see what this is all about. I set everything up about two days before the nation of Instacart shoppers started talking about a strike. As I am trying to tutor myself about how everything works, I have now found that the help line is overwhelmed, the telephone number on the website and app has been discontinued, and a tab on the app where I can set my schedule is just gone. I cannot figure out how to set the zone I want to work in either. All these little bugs, without access to help to get them figured out, causes a lot of good people to just say, to hell with it and walk away . I mean, I am tenacious and I don't have any problem with digging to get an answer. However, when my instinct starts telling me that this company is having significant infrastructure problems, I don't want to be a part of it.
MichelleWWorked several positions in the wastewater field
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04/06/20 at 4:20PM UTC
That's too bad. And I agree with you- I'd rather go into something with eyes wide open, even if it isn't the hopeful/positive stuff- maybe especially if it isn't.
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