How should I configure my VMware Fusion VM network connections?
I have come across this issue many times as well as I work "on the road" at times. Unfortunately, the only solution I have found is not ideal (for everyone) but works well for me:


Create a Wifi HotSpot on my 3G/LTE device.
Connect to the Wifi HotSpot with my Host (e.g. via Wifi) to activate my Host OS network adapter and obtain an IP address.


NOTE: Connecting to a public Wifi Network with no DHCP does not work as you will not be able to obtain an IP address for the Host and cannot bridge the VM. Not connecting to any network to activate your Host network adapter will NOT work.


Configure your VM OS to obtain an IP address dynamically i.e. clear out any static IP you have assigned to the VM OS.


NOTE: I understand that you want to access the VM OS via a static IP however you need to leverage the networking available to you and it will become clear below.


On your VMWare VM Network Adapter: "Disconnect Network Adapter"
On your VMWare VM Network Adapter: Change to "NAT"
On your VMWare VM Network Adapter: "Connect Network Adapter"
Obtain the IP address of your VM OS:
e.g. Windows:  ipconfig
e.g. Mac OS / Linux:  ifconfig


NOTE: For this example lets assume it is 172.16.175.246


Edit your Host OS hosts file and setup static IP address settings to the IP address obtained in step 5.
e.g. 172.16.175.246      www.example.com


Now access www.example.com and it should work. Once you go back to being a on work network simply undo the above and you are back to business again.