If you are already telecommuting, you also know that you can drag your laptop almost anywhere and still be at work.
But what about a tropical beach or a long weekend at a favorite fun spot?
It can happen — if you prepare.
First, prepare your plan. It's easier to start small. Maybe you need to travel to the next state for a family function. Normally, you might take the time off, but this time, you think you will have plenty of time to work.
Prep for the worst, says Skill Crush.
– Make sure your workcation is in a place with great Wi-Fi. Know how to set your phone up as a hotspot.
– Know how to secure your connection. Maybe you want to talk with IT.
– Have a hard drive large enough to store big project files as a backup in case you can't access files in the cloud.
– Carry chargers and extra chargers for everything.
– Clean your laptop of sensitive files that will be irrelevant during your workcation.
– Firm up your game plan for meetings. Know what apps and hardware you will need for meetings and when.
– Draw up (and keep) a strict work hours schedule. Make sure you never have to talk to a customer or colleague if there are loud noises in the background.
– Make absolutely sure you have a list of contacts.
Next, discuss your first workcation with the boss. If this will be a unique request for your supervisor, make sure you present your whole plan, along with a reasonable explanation of why this will be beneficial to the boss and the company. For example: I have to go to this family function. Since the function will be in the evening, I will have plenty of time to work during the day at my hotel. I don't want to take time away from my project, etc.
Explain how you have planned the logistics and drawn up a work schedule.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
