4 Sites for Remote Working
“Do you even get out of bed?” “So what, you can like do work when you feel like it?” These are some of the immediate responses I get when I tell people I work remotely. Don’t get me wrong, life is definitely breezier when I’m conference calling in my silk lounging pants, but there can be some challenges that come with working from home as well. On a daily basis, I face any number of barriers, from cabin fever to the itch to binge-watch Netflix (these challenges are not exclusive to remote positions!). I’ve compiled a list of a few sites that have either personally helped to make remote work more manageable or been recommended from friends and co-workers.
1. https://coffitivity.com/
Do you like being lulled with ambient sleep app sounds like "spirit flutes" and "hard rain"? If so, you might like this workday equivalent. Though Coffee shop sounds might not be conducive for productivity for some, this site is perfect for those of us who thrive on white noise.
2. https://workfrom.co/
If you prefer the real-life sounds of a cafe but are looking for work-appropriate space, this site is a comprehensive list of coffee shops, cafes, bars and coworking spaces near wherever you are. One of the most intriguing features is the ability to sort locations by features such as reliable wifi (durr!), spaciousness (latte-filled group meetings anyone?), and alcohol (don’t mind if I do!).
3. http://www.isitdownrightnow.com/
About 5 times a week, one or all of my Google programs (AKA my life-sources) suddenly stop working (read: I stop working). Before I sound the alarms company-wide, I like to stop by this site which not only shows you the connection status of top websites on the homepage, but also allows you to check to see if more obscure sites are down.
4. http://www.calm.com/
This site, recommended by a friend, is a good idea in theory. Immediately upon loading, the visitor is greeted with a scenic landscape and chirping birds. You then have the option to take a “meditation” break for anywhere from 2-20 minutes. Here’s the catch: if you touch your computer, the clock starts over again. Instead of finding this an endearing reminder to take a breather, I am constantly frustrated when I can’t stay away from my inbox and “lose” at relaxing. Relaxing then becomes a stressful task and you count down the seconds until you can work again. Personal displeasure with this site, however, will not stop me from suggesting to others. If you have the patience to relax, I commend you.
Are you interested in learning more about working remotely? Check out our blog post on how to manage a distributed team.
