As a software developer or a coder, you can be perfectly fine working from home. Since most of the work is done on a computer, there is no need to leave the house.
These days, remote work has become the go-to method, and a lot of it has to do with the ongoing pandemic. There is also a question of how many people will be willing to return to the office after things go back to normal.
Having said that, let’s focus more on software developers and coders and what they need to make a living while staying at home.
Work Tools
Let’s start with the obvious, which is work tools. The first thing that comes to mind is a computer and accessories that come with it, most notably a keyboard and a mouse. In case you prefer a laptop over a desktop computer, you do not have to worry about external computer accessories as much.
Next—software. A lot depends on what you do specifically and what software you use for the work itself, but there are a few things that apply to many remote workers.
One such example is storage. You want to have a location where you can keep your files. Some prefer external hard drives and USB flash sticks, while others stick to cloud storage.
Clouds are quite reliable, and even if you run into potential issues with them, figuring out why it happens should not be a problem.
In case you are developing software and agree to work on an hourly basis, you will also need to get time-tracking tools.
Collaboration and communication tools are a must as well if you need to communicate and show progress with colleagues or clients.
Then you have stuff like emails, antivirus to prevent potential cybersecurity threats, password managers for your login details, to name a few.
The bottom line is that you need to sort out your work tools so that you do not run into potential issues because of your negligence.
Internet
A good internet connection is a difference-maker between efficient workflow and struggles. It is true that not everyone has access to a reliable ISP, meaning that they have to deal with problems related to the internet.
However, if there is an option to sign with a solid internet service provider, even if it means paying extra, you should do it.
As a coder or software developer, you will depend on the internet a lot for your work. Communicating and seeking information is part of the work, and things are done digitally these days, particularly if you are staying at home.
If possible, do not use Wi-Fi and get an ethernet cable instead. Wi-Fi can sometimes provide a somewhat slow connection, which disrupts your workflow.
Even if you are working on a laptop, you can still plug an ethernet cable as you are unlikely to move around with a laptop while working.
Sources to Learn and Improve
Comparing freelance developers with those who work for a company is a good way to illustrate how each of the two approaches training.
First of all, you want to be at the top of your game and keep up with the latest trends in the industry. Otherwise, it will not be too long before you fall behind and get overtaken by developers who are not wasting time.
Working for a company usually comes with benefits like paid training and better opportunities to get access to some of the best professionals who can teach you.
On the other hand, just because you are working on your own at home, it does not mean that you should disregard potential opportunities to become better at your job.
If anything, the available sources to improve are prominent thanks to Skillshare, Udemy, YouTube, and other platforms that publish videos. And many courses are free, meaning that you do not have to pay money.
The key takeaway from this section is that you need to seek opportunities to become better at what you do. Otherwise, you will not have a very good time as a remote worker long-term.
No Distractions
Distractions are the last thing you want is someone who needs to focus on work. Even small distractions can disrupt the workflow and leave you in a place where you need time to refocus.
For starters, make sure that you set boundaries with people who live with you (if there are any). Tell them that they should not disturb you and only talk if something important comes up.
The same thing applies to neighbors. If you have noisy people living nearby, you want to explain to them that you are working and that they should keep the noise to a minimum.
Next, check notifications on your smartphone and computer. Disable distracting sounds so that they are not in the way.
Also, if you keep video game icons on a computer’s desktop, delete them so you are not as tempted to procrastinate instead of doing your work.
Dealing with distractions is not something exclusive to just coders or developers, but it is still a crucial step to take.
Functional Workspace
The last bit of advice is pretty straightforward, but it should not be underestimated. You need to create a proper workspace. Ideally, you should have a dedicated room for a home office, but even a simple desk and a chair are enough.
You will have an easier time psychologically when trying to focus. As soon as you sit down in your workspace, you will know that it is time to work.
Do your best to keep the workspace clean because a messy environment is another distraction, and you want to ensure that the work is going swimmingly, right?
Conclusion
All in all, there are multiple things that you need to take care of to have optimal experience working from home as a coder or software developer.
Hopefully, the tips in this article will come in handy for those who are thinking about switching to remote work or for those who already have and want to improve their current environment.
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