Here's how you can maintain motivation and productivity as a remote network engineer.

If you are working as a remote network engineer, then establish an everyday routine where your work timing begins and ends at the same time each day which also helps to keep motivated & productive during these times set up separate space for yourself wherein there is lesser distraction. Set small, daily and weekly goals for all of your initiatives which can be tracked using tools like Asana or Jira. Keep connected to your team by having regular check-ins and use other online tools that help you communicate. Never stop broadening our skills with studying courses or good reads around the sector.

While establishing a consistent schedule is ideal, the reality of remote work, especially in network engineering, often brings unexpected tasks and interruptions. I try to align my deep-focus tasks with my most productive hours but remain flexible when urgent issues arise. By structuring my day with built-in buffer times, I can adapt without feeling overwhelmed. It’s crucial to prioritize important work early, while recognizing that adaptability is key. I also ensure breaks and boundaries remain in place to recharge, even when the day’s structure shifts, helping me maintain productivity and prevent burnout in the long run.

Have some coffee too! make sure you're aware of all the tools required for the job. Have deep focus on the work so you dont find your self watching cat videos!

I should say use calendars and connect it with you smart devices at home so that you can set your schedule. I maintain a plan sheet and calendar for all the work I have to do.

Continuous learning in network engineering happens under two umbrellas: your body-of-knowledge and your body-of-work. For the first, I allocate time to study new vendor products, features, and obviously maintaining and pursuing certifications—this is the foundation built through book work, lab exercises, and understanding procedural intricacies. The second, your body-of-work, involves applying this knowledge by innovating solutions to real-world problems. I use active projects as opportunities to innovate and constantly learning through problem-solving. Balancing both keeps me adaptable, and continuously evolving, which adds immense value to my professional growth.

Continuous learning is must! The networking world goes fast! Follow top networking companies, learn about security which gets overlooked, work on new technologies to stay ahead of the curve!

For me, self-care is foundational to my performance, especially as a remote network engineer. It starts with assessing my sleep quality. If sleep was poor, I adjust my day to focus on gentler self-care, like non-sleep deep rest and lighter work tasks. On well-rested days, I begin with physical exercise, setting a positive tone. Emotional resilience is another key part of my routine, guided by Viktor Frankl’s quote: "Between stimulus and response, there is a space." This helps me control reactions to stress. Lastly, working with a coach has deepened my understanding of self-care beyond the basics of sleep, diet, and exercise.