Showerthought: Giving up fast wifi actually improved my remote work

I know this sounds backwards, but hear me out. Most nomads chase the fastest internet like it's gold, but I've been forcing myself to use slower, public connections for the past six months. When I was in a small town in Guatemala, the only option was a spotty cafe wifi that cut out often. Instead of getting frustrated, I planned my day around it, doing offline tasks when it dropped and only going online for short bursts. This made me way more focused and I got through my to-do list faster because I wasn't distracted by endless browsing. I saved money too, since I wasn't paying for pricey co-working spots or sim cards. Sure, video calls are a hassle, but I schedule those for rare good connection days. Anyone else think our need for constant, high-speed internet might be holding us back more than we admit?

3 comments

3 Comments

parker1835d ago

Switched to my library's awful public wifi last year after my home net died. Could only load basic web pages between 10am and 2pm. Started blocking out those four hours just for writing reports and planning the next week, stuff that didn't need the web. Actually finished my work early because I couldn't procrastinate on social media or get lost down some research rabbit hole. The forced focus was painful at first but kinda amazing.

nancycooper5d ago

Feel your pain with that awful wifi, but man, forced focus IS a game changer. @taylor.sean is right about limits working even when they suck. Kinda makes me want to try blocking my own internet sometimes!

taylor.sean5d ago

Always thought you needed perfect internet to get things done, but your post actually changed my mind. Forced limits sound brutal but clearly work.