When you work from home, a power or Internet outage can be more than just inconvenient; it can be money out of your pocket. So formulate a back-up plan now for that inevitable power and Internet outage, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Of course, a power outage and an Internet outage are different things. But they often occur simultaneously, and some of the solutions are the same. And for both types of outages, planning ahead is the key to minimizing headaches.
Go to the Office
We telecommuters like working at home, but when the power’s out, there’s little we can do. If your company has an office nearby, you may have to go into the office in the event of a power or Internet outage. Try to arrange a back-up plan in advance with the office manager. Perhaps, there’s a free desk available, or if not, maybe you can set up in a conference room. But one drawback is that you may have to find child care at the last minute, so also have a back-up child care plan.
Find Free WiFi at a Local Shop or Restaurant
If you have a laptop or a netbook, park yourself in a coffee shop, bookstore or other location with free WiFi. Lots of local places offer it, as do many national chains such as McDonalds. Of course, if the power or Internet outage is widespread in your area, these places could be closed or have no WiFi either. If you bring the kids along, be sure to have plenty for them to do, and be a good customer and purchase from the shop.Purchase a Device for Mobile Broadband
This might mean a laptop or netbook with mobile broadband capabilities, but it could be as simple as buying a mobile broadband USB stick, a modem that plugs in like a flash drive. Cell phone companies will often give the device for free if you sign up for a monthly plan. But if you only plan to use it for emergencies and working vacations, you may want to purchase one with a pay-as-you-go plan.
