brownie
12-06-2004, 05:17 AM
Tuesday 30 November 2004
Next Move: What do I need to work from home?
I work in the IT field with many skills (PC support, networking, project management, etc). I currently have a job which has no future as there is no funding for it and I'm stuck in limbo with my skills fading away. I would like to work from home. What opportunities are there and how do I go about doing this?
Look for field service engineer roles with the big outsourcers.
Working from home is becoming increasingly possible since companies are always seeking ways to reduce costs and wireless technology becomes more widely available. Remember, though, that IT is, and always will be, a predominantly "on-site" job, with the need to be physically close to the servers, desktops and the end-users.
The most common way of gaining the independence of working from home is to apply for field service engineer roles. Although not technically working from home, you will not be tied to an office, desk or even the same technologies day to day.
The big outsourcing companies tend to employ lots of field service engineers and you would likely be given an area or selection of companies (close to your home) to support and manage. However, these roles could involve a lot of overtime and call-out work, so be prepared to be flexible with your time.
Without knowing more about your skills it is hard to advise you specifically. Search the web, do some research into potential avenues and start applying.
You must be sure of your own expectations and ability to work from home, as it is a common misconception that it is easier or better to work from home. You will need to be self-disciplined, motivated and organised to make a success of it.
Solution by Robert Nunn, senior account manager at Plan-Net Services
The panel: MSB International, Plan-Net Services, Spring Group, E-Skills UK, British Computer Society, Computer Futures, Hudson, Elan, Reed Technology, Zarak Technology.
Next Move: What do I need to work from home?
I work in the IT field with many skills (PC support, networking, project management, etc). I currently have a job which has no future as there is no funding for it and I'm stuck in limbo with my skills fading away. I would like to work from home. What opportunities are there and how do I go about doing this?
Look for field service engineer roles with the big outsourcers.
Working from home is becoming increasingly possible since companies are always seeking ways to reduce costs and wireless technology becomes more widely available. Remember, though, that IT is, and always will be, a predominantly "on-site" job, with the need to be physically close to the servers, desktops and the end-users.
The most common way of gaining the independence of working from home is to apply for field service engineer roles. Although not technically working from home, you will not be tied to an office, desk or even the same technologies day to day.
The big outsourcing companies tend to employ lots of field service engineers and you would likely be given an area or selection of companies (close to your home) to support and manage. However, these roles could involve a lot of overtime and call-out work, so be prepared to be flexible with your time.
Without knowing more about your skills it is hard to advise you specifically. Search the web, do some research into potential avenues and start applying.
You must be sure of your own expectations and ability to work from home, as it is a common misconception that it is easier or better to work from home. You will need to be self-disciplined, motivated and organised to make a success of it.
Solution by Robert Nunn, senior account manager at Plan-Net Services
The panel: MSB International, Plan-Net Services, Spring Group, E-Skills UK, British Computer Society, Computer Futures, Hudson, Elan, Reed Technology, Zarak Technology.