Web Worker Daily

What would you do if, as soon as you finished reading this blog post, something happened that stopped you from working? How would you manage?

Recently, a friend of mine who runs his own business from home found himself faced with this very question. Out of the blue, he was hit by a medical emergency that stopped him from working. His partner didn’t earn enough to pay their mortgage on her own, let alone support them both and pay his mounting medical bills. Things were looking grim, and the financial questions only added to the stress of an already extremely stressful and emotional situation.

This really made me think about what I would do if I had some kind of health issue that stopped me from earning. In many countries, if you become unemployed, you can register for benefits that ease the financial strain. But if you get sick or have some kind of accident, you can’t claim unemployment. Read the rest of this entry »

For many web workers, the most expensive piece of gear is the laptop computer. For some of us, it’s even more than expensive: it’s essential, because it’s our only computer. But have you ever thought about how you’re protecting that investment? Here’s a rundown on the ways you can keep your laptop a bit safer.

Buy a Ruggedized Model. Some laptops are simply more resistant to physical damage than others. If you’re doing to do a great deal of travel, especially if you have a tendency towards klutziness, it’s worth looking into “ruggedized” or “semi-ruggedized” models. At the top of the sturdiness line you’ll find machines, like the Dell XFR D630, that comply with Department of Defense standards – they’re designed to be used in rough conditions and dropped without losing function. You’ll pay a premium if you go this route, though. At the very least, look for a computer (such as a MacBook) with an accelerometer built in to park the hard drive if you drop it.

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