As I reckon y’all know by now, I’m an online tutor, and as such, I I rely on technology to do my job. Without my computer and internet connection, not to mention my smartphone, I wouldn’t be able to connect with my students.
That said, as a small business owner, which I suppose I reluctantly am, I have a very limited budget for equipment. That is, after all, what “skint” means. This makes it challenging to have backup options when things go wrong.
Recently, I had a scare when my computer stopped working. It was temporary, and when I rebooted, it was OK, but it put the fear of god in me. I obviously rely on my computer not only to do the classes, but also to access teaching materials, and manage my schedule. When it stopped working, I was left feeling helpless and stressed, worrying about how I would continue to do my job without it.
Well, I have now planned for this scenario and already started researching ways to get backup equipment on a very low budget. Here are a few things that I did to make sure that I can get back up and running as quickly as possible if it comes to that:
- I’ve looked for used equipment: Instead of buying a brand-new computer, I searched for used options that were in good condition. I was able to find a used laptop that was within my budget and had enough processing power to meet my needs. There’s a street in Tbilisi, Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, near Station Square, where these kinds of businesses thrive. That’s where I went and found a backup phone and laptop fairly cheaply.
- I’ve taken advantage of deals: I kept an eye out for deals on equipment, such as refurbished items or discounts on last year’s models. Facebook is good for this, at least here in Tbilisi. By being patient and waiting for the right deal, you can get a good quality piece of equipment for a fraction of the cost.
- I’ve found some free resources: There are many free resources available online that can help with technology issues, as well as teaching materials. I was able to find free tutorials and troubleshooting guides that helped me fix some issues with my computer before deciding that I needed to replace it.
- Finally, I’ve reached out to my network: Facebook is also good for this here, to see if anyone had a spare computer or equipment that they no longer need. You might be surprised to find that a friend had an old laptop that she was willing to give me for free. Ask. I’ve been surprised by this more often than I’d expected.
By being resourceful and as creative as I could manage, I’ll be able to get backup equipment on a very low budget. While it was stressful to have my computer freak out, it didn’t completely break down and it was also a wake-up call that taught me the importance of having backup options and planning ahead.
In my current circumstances, I’m doing fine, but I cannot afford to be without the tools I need. It’s food for thought for anyone thinking of doing anything like what I’m doing.
Thanks for reading.
