We are, courtesy of the digital age, now able to work from wherever we are in the world, notwithstanding climate, weather, or terrain. The internet is accessible from virtually anywhere and providing you have the proper equipment and the right attitude you will be able to complete your work no matter where you are.
This page will hope to tell you how you can effectively do your work online while you are in a harsh environment. Whether you are a digital nomad, a military contractor, or just an adventurer, look no further than here…
01. Equipment
The first and most important aspect of doing your work in a harsh environment is, of course, the equipment that you have. The equipment you will need will vary depending on what exactly it is you are doing. Military contractors, for example, or journalists working in conflict zones would need rugged rackmount systems to ensure that their laptop and hardware does not become compromised. Another example would be of a photographer working at high-altitudes; you are unlikely to pick up any local internet, so a portable, good-quality mobile Wi-Fi router would be necessary.
The equipment that you have with you will determine the quality of your work in circumstances like those mentioned as examples. If you do not have the proper equipment, it is very likely you will not only be unable to finish your work, but risk damaging your hardware. Preparing beforehand is essential. Whenever you are setting out into a harsh environment and have work to complete, be prepared for everything that could potentially come your way. Every situation requires different equipment, so research beforehand is definitely essential and must be undertaken.
02. Mindset
When you are working in harsh environments a positive mindset is just as important as the equipment that you carry with you. Harsh environments can very quickly wear away at you and leave you feeling unable to work. When embarking into a harsh environment knowing work has to be done, mentally prepare yourself. It is very easy to quit in these instances, but by quitting you will likely only make your life more difficult. Try to cultivate and maintain a positive mindset throughout your stay wherever it is that you are going. Also, remain diligent about your duties and obligations to work. Your work relies heavily on your mindset.
03. Privacy
When privacy is mentioned here, it is not referring to your own private space, nor somewhere that is solely designated to you, but rather a privacy wherein despite being around people, nobody bothers you. You should make it clear to those who you are around that they must not disturb you when you are working and if they were to disturb you that you would be very unhappy. Work is a very important part of many of our lives and when we are working on the move, people tend to think we have time to beguile and can set aside our work for meaningless conversations.
04. Eyes Open
Working in a harsh environment can be very dangerous. While you should always focus one hundred percent on the tasks you are carrying out for work, you should not become frivolous or careless to your situation. You may find yourself in a very dangerous situation if you do not pay attention to what is going on around you. Becoming absorbed in your work is quite harmless when you are sitting at home, but when you are in a harsh, volatile environment, it can mean injury or disaster. Keep your eyes open.
05. Theft
Harsh environments vary from place to place, so this may not apply to some, whereas it will apply to others. If you find yourself in an environment wherein the law is scarcely enforced, then you will want to watch out for theft. Arriving in a volatile destination with a bunch of high-tech safeguarding equipment is like putting up a sign asking people to steal from you. Thefts do occur very often in volatile, lawless cityscapes, and westerners can be the targets of them, so be wary about to who you show your equipment, and bring the necessary measures to ensure security, whether it be an armed guard or a lockbox.
06. Sleep
A lack of sleep, or none thereof, can be a detriment to your work. In a harsh environment, sleep is more essential than ever. Get as much sleep as your schedule allows you to.
Working in harsh environments is sometimes unavoidable. Hopefully, with the help of this page, you will be well-equipped to step into any situation and still finish your work to the standard that is required. Good luck and be safe people!
