You know, I don’t even know if what’s in my bag posts are still a thing people want to read, but I guess we’re going to find out. Anyway. Now that I’ve been at my current job for a year, I thought I would share the things that I carry in my work bag. Whether you want to be a little nosy or you’re not sure what you should put in your bag for your job, I hope you enjoy this post.
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What’s in My Bag: A Millennial’s Work Bag
Backpack – Like many millennials, I use a backpack for my work bag. I was using my Longchamp tote for a while, but it was doing a number on my shoulders. So I switched to my Cure Arthritis backpack, which has been through some stuff after grad school, and now I’ve switched to a lighter backpack.
Planner – My planner is a must. I must have it with me pretty much always. The only place I don’t bring it is the gym (not kidding). I’ve used the Erin Condren Life Planner for the last few years and adore it! Unsure if it’s for you? I wrote a post about how to use the EC Life Planner.
Book – You guys know me; I’m a huge bookworm. I’ve actually become that person reading multiple books at once. I read one at home (usually a bigger book), I listen to one on audiobook for my commute, and I keep one in my bag to read during my lunch break, waiting for appointments, etc. I’m currently reading this Cleopatra biography and I love it. It’s so interesting!
Wallet – I mean, duh. I’ve used my hot pink Kate Spade wallet for years; so long, in fact, that they don’t sell the exact one I have any more. This Sylvia Slim Continental wallet is as close as I can find. But it’s a good size wallet to hold everything and, with having it in pink, it’s always easy to find in my bag.
Fan – Okay, so this is very specific to who I am as a person and my health issues, but carrying a portable fan is a MUST for me due to my POTS. I really love this fan in particular because it folds up and comes with 3 fan speeds. It will be featured in an upcoming post about what all POTS patients need for the summer because I love it that much.
Pen bag – My life involves multiple medical appointments a week, at which I’m always making follow-up appointments, so I always need pens to use to update my planner. Plus, I’m a writer! I need to have writing utensils with me at all times. And, as with many writers, I’m very particular about the pens that I use. I’m a huge fan of Stabilo Point 88 and Muji 0.38 mm pens.
Screen-cleaning wipes – Our phones go everywhere with us, so they can get really dirty, even if they don’t look it. I’ve been using these screen cleaners from Well-Kept for a while and I love them. Keeping your phone (or your computer) germ-free is super important when your immune system is suppressed, so they’re a must for me!
Items immunosuppressed people need to have
Headphones – Phone headphones are important for commuting, but so are computer headphones! If you’re an iPhone user like me and you have an iPhone that is at least a 7, the headphones you got with your phone don’t work for a computer, as Apple combined the headphone spot with the battery charger slot. I have these Sony headphones which work great with my work computer (and my personal one, but I primarily use these at work).
Hand sanitizer – Again, my immune system is suppressed, so I go through lots of hand sanitizer. Especially because I take public transportation! Hand sanitizer on hand sanitizer. (I mean, I went back on immunosuppressants not even 3 weeks ago and I got a cold within 3 days.)
Thing to hold pills – I take a LOT of medications, which includes medications that I have to take after lunch. I mean, I take 12 pills of Gabapentin and 8 of Sulfasalazine a day. I can’t carry around the bottles for those. My bag would be way too heavy!
The Best Tips for Working from Home with Chronic Illness
Lip Product – I basically don’t leave the house without some sort of lip product! Currently, I’ve been using Clinique’s Pep-Start Pout Perfecting Balm in Cherry, but I also have been in love with Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment (in a zillion colors over the years). Both of these products have SPF in them, which is great because your lips need sun protection, too!
Portable phone charger – I. Love. This. Charger. It is one of the best $30 purchases I’ve ever made! It charges both iPhones and at least some Androids. It charges super fast and last really long; I’ve been able to charge my phone at least 3 times before I need to charge it. I highly recommend it!
What do you keep in your work bag?
Like this post? Check out:
Current Daily Makeup Routine, 2019 Recent Reads: January-March, How To Go Back to Work After a Long Break, My Workwear,
Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
I will always have my headphones, my portable charger and my laptop in my bag. There might be a chocolate bar or two as well 😉 Please check out my blog if you get a chance: http://www.emilyclarebeauty.com
I need to put earplugs in my work bag in order to get through the work day.