🎒 Microlesson

🪞 Reflect

When you run into a tech issue while working remotely, what’s your first instinct? Do you try to troubleshoot it yourself, or do you immediately look for outside help?

💡 Concept

As a remote worker—especially if you’re self-employed or working independently—you don’t have an in-house IT team to rely on. That makes it even more important to develop basic troubleshooting skills to minimize downtime and keep your work on track.  

Before seeking outside help, try these five troubleshooting steps:  

🔌 Restart & Reconnect

It sounds simple, but restarting your computer, router, or an unresponsive app can resolve many common tech problems. If something isn’t working, rebooting should always be your first step.  

🖥️ Check Your Connections & Hardware

A weak internet connection is often the culprit behind tech issues. Try moving closer to your router, switching to a wired connection, or restarting your modem. For hardware problems, double-check that all your cables, Bluetooth connections, and power sources are secure.  

🔍 Search for Quick Fixes

Chances are, someone else has had the same problem. A quick Google search using the exact error message or a description of the issue can lead to solutions. YouTube tutorials, tech forums, and official support pages can also provide step-by-step guidance.  

🛜 Test on Another Device or Network

If an app or website isn’t working, try accessing it from another device or using mobile data. This helps determine if the issue is with your device, your internet connection, or the service itself. If a software issue persists, checking for updates or reinstalling the app might help.  

🎒 Have a Backup Plan

Without a dedicated IT team, you need to be proactive. Keep a list of local repair shops or online tech support services you can contact in an emergency. Consider investing in a secondary internet option (like a mobile hotspot) and keeping important files backed up on an external drive or cloud service.

🎬 Take Action

• The next time you run into a tech issue, try troubleshooting using the steps above before seeking outside help.  

• Bookmark tech support resources such as forums, help pages, or YouTube channels that provide clear troubleshooting guides.  

• Keep your system updated and perform regular maintenance: clear your browser’s cache, run security scans, and check for software updates.  

• Invest in essential backup solutions to minimize downtime. Possibilities to consider include using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a secondary internet option.  

• Reflect on a recent tech issue—could you have solved it faster with these steps?  

🧠 Keep Learning

Learn more about setting up and managing your home office in the Remote Work Certification program.

✅ Check In

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