How to Ace Your Tech Job From Home

• Many Americans say they prefer working remotely and want to continue doing so after the pandemic.
• Find a quiet place where you can do your work without getting interrupted.
• Make time in your schedule to de-stress by working out, walking, meditating, or doing yoga.

As of January, over half of Americans were still working from home at least part time, and 44% said they would like to continue working remotely in the future. Working remotely offers many advantages: more family time, less time spent commuting, and — as long as you don't have any video meetings — working in your pajamas!

Tech jobs are high on the list of careers that allow employees to work from home, even in non-pandemic times.

What Qualifies as a Tech Job?

A tech job is any job that requires working with technology, especially computers, to complete technological projects. However, not every job that requires working with a laptop is a tech job. Tech jobs include computer programmer, web developer, and information security specialist.

With so many people working IT and tech support jobs from home, some are bound to struggle with maintaining productivity and work-life balance. Here are a few tips to succeed in a work-from-home tech job.

Create a Quiet Work Space

One of the drawbacks to working from home can be the noise. If you have kids or pets, you know that home is not always a calming workspace.

However, it's essential to find a separate, quiet space that can allow you to focus on your work, whether it's a corner of the dining room or a converted closet. Everyone you live with should know that they must be quiet when they are near your work area. Noise-canceling headphones can also help create a quiet space.

Plan Out Your Day

If you work from home, you might have some flexibility with your work hours. If that is the case, try to plan your day to work when there are the fewest interruptions.

That might mean waking up early, working a couple of hours before breakfast, and going back to work once the kids have left for school. Or it might mean stopping your work for a couple of hours to spend time with your pets or kids, if you have them, and making up that work time in the evenings.

Whatever schedule you decide on, make sure that you work about the same number of hours as you normally would. Do not fall into the habit of working every spare moment and becoming overworked.

Planning out your day can also involve planning out small breaks or times to exercise. A self-care routine is critical for staying productive, so allow for those moments between work hours.

Buy Adequate Equipment

While most work-from-home jobs involve laptops, they may also require additional equipment. Make sure your computer meets the specifications needed for the job and purchase any peripherals you may need, such as a printer or scanner. Noise-canceling headphones may also be a good investment, especially if you cannot work in a quiet location. Some tech jobs may also require an external monitor or a backup system.

Many companies will provide technical equipment or reimburse you for qualified equipment purchases. Make sure to talk to your company about what you will need before making any purchases.

To protect yourself from carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries, you may also want a desk and an office chair that will allow you to sit comfortably at the right level. Your monitor should be at eye level, and you should be able to operate your mouse without bending your wrist.

Connect With Coworkers

One of the most difficult parts of working from home is that you may not meet your coworkers in person. This can be difficult for many tech jobs, as you will usually have to collaborate with others on projects.

Connecting with coworkers can help both your projects and your emotional state. Take the time to get to know them virtually over messaging apps and through videoconferencing.

Avoid Multitasking

You may think that you are a great multitasker, but it actually slows down your productivity. Trying to multitask during an online meeting may hinder your work because you cannot fully concentrate on the task at hand. Instead, pay full attention in your meetings to get the most out of them. Even if you don't have your camera on, other attendees may still be able to tell if you are not paying attention.

Use Your Calendar

Most companies with work-from-home employees maintain a calendar-sharing tool to help you manage your time. Sharing your calendar with your coworkers allows everyone to see what you are working on and when you have time available in your schedule.

This keeps everyone on the same page and helps with organization, especially when planning meetings. Keep your calendar updated so that it is an accurate reflection of your day-to-day schedule.

Have a Self-Care Routine

One of the most important things when working from home is taking care of yourself. Decide on a routine to decompress and create some separation between work and personal time. Walking, meditation, and yoga can all boost your energy and focus. Whatever you do to de-stress, try to make it a part of your daily routine so that it becomes a habit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tech Jobs From Home

Additional Resources