The Traveling Office

What happens when you need to work away from your home office? Maybe it's vacation time, and although you are supposed to be vacationing, not working, you decide to take along the laptop in case you need to do something job related. Maybe you are spending the day away from the home office for a different reason, but are hoping to get a bit of work done. And what about the rest of your home office? How can you travel and be prepared to work?

Certainly, a laptop can go anywhere, and connect to the Internet just about anywhere. If you have a wireless card and your laptop is configured for wireless Internet you can almost always find a cyber cafe, or other spot where wireless is accessible. Airports, fast food restaurants, libraries, and hotels are offering wireless to patrons. If you are visiting a friend who has wireless in their home, you're all set (as long as you have their permission)! A quick note about wireless: it's ethically better to find a connection that you have permission to use vs. trying to secretly use an unwitting homeowners connection. Most people with wireless in their homes are starting to become quite savvy about security, so you may not be able to find a wireless connection without using legitimate means anyway. Conversely, your own laptop needs to be configured in such a way as to protect what you’re doing from prying "eyes". Speak with a reliable computer professional about making sure your laptop is secure when you're using it wirelessly.

What if you are traveling, even for a day, and need the rest of your office? Obviously you can't take all of it with you. It's best to have a briefcase or laptop bag set up with the essentials you need. A note pad, a file folder or two, pens and pencils, your cell phone, and your planner or calendar is essentials. Other items specific to your line of work can be brought along as well. Make sure you have what you need, but don't take every piece of paper in your home office! You may want to think about this well in advance of having to take a day or a week off and then throwing things in your briefcase willy-nilly.

Vacation time should be spent vacationing, not working. But if you are the type of person who just can't leave it behind for a few days, make sure you have everything in place and ready to go beforehand. Do your homework about wireless access and security, pack your paperwork, and don't forget to enjoy your vacation!

Posted:Monday, September 03, 2007