Re: Vaguely Security Related: Telecommuter Advice

[Kevin Shaw <kevin.lee.shaw () gmail com>]

Sorry, Tom not Paul..
On Mar 11, 2012 9:48 PM, "Tom Handlon" <thandlon () gmail com> wrote:

> I found that for the company I currently work for, telecommuting is
> not an option although others still do it.  There is a serious
> perception that those that work from home are basically on vacation,
> taking advantage while doing nothing.  Although I ended up working
> around the clock, always on, always working - this was seen as "laying
> around in my pajamas".  It was miserable because I was killing myself
> yet it was unseen by many no matter what was accomplished.  -Not by
> all management, least of all my direct report, but enough to realize
> it wasn't a smart career move.  I pushed for office space and got it
> so now I get less done in a longer period of time, but at least I am
> seen "at my desk".
>
> I know firsthand that some in management look upon those that get in
> before 8 as superstars regardless of the what they actually
> contribute.
>
> It really depends on the company and the people at the company.   It
> is all about perception and the episode of Seinfeld where George
> leaves his car at work and gains a ton of respect rings true.
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUwSxqnRW-8
>
>
>
> On Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 8:37 AM, Nick Drage <nickd () funkyjesus org> wrote:
> > 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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