How To Stay On Top Of Your Game While Working Abroad
If you work on a freelance basis, you will know that it's a lifestyle that has its ups and downs. It allows you to work wherever you like, take on other jobs if you need them - or maybe you're a parent and you need flexibility around your kids. But at the same time, there can be long periods of time between work, and unless you are established, the pay rate can be low. It's a risk all freelance workers take, whether your work in the arts, in IT or in something completely different. But one of the big advantages of freelance work is that original point of being able to work anywhere. No, we don't just mean popping out to your local coffee shop for the afternoon. You can take a whole holiday whilst freelancing, as long as you meet your deadlines whilst you are there. But just how easy is working on the go as a freelancer, and how can you stay productive?
Take the right equipment
If you're travelling and working, as so many people do, it's important to travel as light as possible. We always take far more than we need on holiday, so think about where you can cut down on your work equipment as well. This is especially important when you are only travelling with hand luggage, as weight restrictions will apply. Avoid taking a heavy laptop and instead, invest in something like a Macbook Air or a Chromebook to take with you on your travels. These are often small enough to fit into a handbag too, so you can easily take it out and about.
Be available to chat
Due to the amazing advances in mobile technology, such as FaceTime and instant messaging, many of us don't tend to pick up the phone anymore. But when you work freelance, you can't guarantee that every client you have is going to feel the same. You may need to call them regularly regarding work, or you may be using your phone to keep in touch with your family whilst you're away. It is therefore important that before you leave, you ensure that you will be able to make Cheap International Calls. After all, there is nothing worse than coming home from time away to a huge phone bill.
Stay connected
Most public places now offer free Wifi - or at least, free Wifi for a specific period of time. Cafes, airports and restaurants usually have this feature, as do hostels - so you shouldn't need to worry about not having internet when you're abroad. However, there will be some cases where you just can't get a connection. Maybe there are too many people on the same network or maybe it is simply faulty. In these instances, it can help if you have a dongle, which will act as your own personal wifi portal. Entertain yourself If you are working abroad for a long period of time, there will be nights where you just want to snuggle down in your hostel, or rented room, and have a quiet night to yourself. Under privacy laws, you may not be able to access certain web pages you are used to viewing whilst abroad. So, consider taking a USB stick full of your favourite movies and TV shows.