Re: Vaguely Security Related: Telecommuter Advice

[Nick Drage <nickd () funkyjesus org>]

On Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 07:10:30PM +0000, Robin Wood wrote:
> On 9 March 2012 07:32, S. R. White <swprofile () yahoo com> wrote:

<snip>

> > Ok, this is so vaguely infosec related I almost hesitate to bring it up.
> > Many pen-testers/security folks seem to work from home/telecommute, more so
> > than any other field I personally know. I'd love to get folk's thoughts on
> > how they carry on that lifestyle. A few breakout questions:
> >
> > 1. How do you stay productive enough so you are still of value to
> > your employer?

Interesting work, self-discipline, both of which I mostly have most of
the time ;)

The other side is to ensure that you are seen to be productive - tell
seniors what you've been up to, keep than up to date on projects.

> > 2. Do you feel isolated at home, and what do you do for a social
> > life?

No, but I use online methods to stay in touch with colleagues and
friends alike - just keep in mind that half an hour chatting to a friend
can feel like five minutes, whereas five minutes working on a proposal
can feel like half an hour.

> > 3. Any tips on separation of home life and work life?

Depending on the nature of your work this may not be possible, in the
same way that you'll deal with personal stuff during work hours, work
stuff might pop up during personal hours.  Use your home life as a break
from work, i.e. doing the washing up is a ten minute break from your
desk when exploit x or software y isn't doing what it should.

> > 4. Anything else you think an infosec telecommuter should think about?

As has been said, security.

> I've been working from home for the last 6+ years, I have one desk
> completely covered in stuff, I get distracted about once an hour
> during the day to hold the baby while wife does something, I take
> random amounts of time for lunch and take it at random times. Unless
> I'm doing a test where I have specific times from a client I start
> when I want, finish when I want and usually work a few hours at night.

I.E. this is roughly my approach, but maybe not as well thought out -
the "separate room to work in" idea is a good one, but depends on your
circumstances.

> It seems completely disorganized but works brilliantly for me. Guess
> how you handle home working depends on your own personality, I know
> some people who just can't do it, some who feel isolated, some who
> can't motivate themselves, I've managed to avoid all of that.

Seconded, there's a lot of variety in what suits people; so to the OP
look for what suits you, rather than for the ideal solution.  I.E. I've
looked at some of the GTD stuff for personal time management, but it
doesn't seem to fit my kind of work, in the same way you may find
"ideal" from home solutions, but they may not fit your particular
requirements or personality.

I've found http://www.workshifting.com/ a useful resource for the area
in general, more to provoke thoughts then provide solutions.

-- 
"It's too bad that people that really understand geopolitics and economics
 are too busy with Internet forums"
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