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As you start your career it can be a little intimidating to know what you should bring with you to work since your needs can change depending on your work environment and career path. Since Anthony and I work two very different jobs, today I’m bringing you a look into what we carry in our work bags – for two very different environments and career paths!
Mine: I work in an office – a classic 9-5, cubicle, spending 99% of my day behind a computer or in back to back meetings.
His: Anthony’s job is skilled labor, primarily in theatrical/theme park lighting/stage/technical work.
Since our day-to-day work is so drastically different, is what we carry with us on the job!
Take a look at what we carry in our work bags.
HERS: Office Work
1: Work Laptop
The most important item that I have in my bag, which I absolutely cannot leave home without, is my work laptop.
What I have: The 13inch MacBook Pro with touchbar
2: Post-it Notes
You never know when you’ll need to jot down a note, idea, memo, or reminder.
What I have: 3×3 Post-It Notes in pastel colors
3: Ball Point Pens
From signing birthday cards in your car and writing thank you notes after interviews to jotting down notes from your boss and reminders as you drive to work… you never know when a good pen will come in handy.
Similar to what I have: Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens
4: Glasses Cleaning Cloths
I never knew how annoying fingerprints were until I got glasses…
Similar to what I have: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
5: Oil Absorbing Sheets
TMI moment: My skin? Oily. My best way to combat this before going into an important meeting? Oil absorbing sheets.
Similar to what I have: Oil Absorbing Facial Sheets
6: Lip Gloss
For that extra boost of confidence before you run into a presentation.
What I have: NYX Butter Gloss
7: Travel Pill Box
From emergency ibuprofen to mid-day medication – this travel pill box ensures you’re always prepared.
What I have: Compact 3 Compartment Pill Box
8: Small Wallet
Personally, I like a compact wallet/credit card case that can fit into my pocket when need be. No matter if I’m grabbing coffee with a coworker or picking up dinner at the end of the day, having your credit cards, ID, and a little cash on you is important.
Similar to what I have: Card Case/Wallet
9: Mini Hairbrush
The Wet Hairbrush is my favorite hairbrush, and this tiny travel version is perfect to toss in my bag and break out right before a big meeting. Especially important since I love driving with my windows down… but my hair doesn’t.
What I have: Mini Wet Brush
10: Large Purse
This cute and comfy purse is the perfect size to fit everything that I need in it!
What I have: ZYSUN Laptop Tote Bag
11: Foundation Brush
Ideal for touching up your makeup mid-day.
What I have: ELF Ultimate Blending Brush
12: Light Foundation Powder
Calling all acne prone/oily skin ladies! This foundation powder is the. bomb.
What I have: Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder
13: Travel Deoderant
Need we say more?
What I have: Secret Invisible Solid Outlast Travel
14: Eye Drops
Anyone with dry eyes who spends all day looking at their computer will tell you… carrying eye drops is a necessity.
What I have: Thera Tears
15: Large (but thin) Notebook
For the days when you’re running straight from your car to a meeting, and don’t have time to stop by your desk… always be prepared!
Similar to what I have: Spiral Notebook
16: Earbuds
Taking a video conference without a conference room? Time for your emergency earbuds!
Similar to what I have: Phillips Pro Wired Earbuds
HIS: Skills Labor
1: Framer Gloves
These gloves have a free thumb, index finger, and middle finger to allow you to better handle tools, and have TPR on the back to protect from injuries.
What he has: Mechanix Wear Leather M-Pact Framer Gloves
2: Knit Gloves
In case of working outside, in the cold.
Similar to what he has: Knit Touchscreen Gloves
3: Sun Face/Neck Protection
A necessity for protecting your face and neck from UV rays when working outside events for long periods of time.
What he has: Summer Face Mask
4: Extra Phone Charger
When working long hours, you have to be prepared.
What he has: Oneplus C USB Data Cable/Power Charger
5: Tools on Lanyards
When working from heights, dropping your tools is a big safety hazard.
What he has: Lanyard & Adjustable Wrench & Carabiner
6: Electrical Tape
What he has: Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape
7: Non-Contact Voltage Tester
When working with cables, cords, and lighting fixtures – testing for voltage is important.
What he has: Klein Tools NCVT-1 Non-Contact Voltage Tester
8: Writing Utensils
Similar to what he has: Permanent Markers
9: Leatherman – Multi-Tool
What he has: Leatherman Multi-Tool
10: Sunscreen, chap stick, and ibuprofen
Similar to what he has: Sunscreen & Travel Advil
11: High Visibility Vest
Similar to what he has: Neiko High Visibility Vest
12: Headlamp
What he has: Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Triple Output Headlamp
13: Chalkbag
Perfect for securing tools on you when climbing at heights.
What he has: AMC Rock Climbing Chalk Bag
14: Clamp Meter
What he has: Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter
15: Wire Cutters
What he has: Klein Tools 11055 Wire Cutters & Strippers
16: Screwdriver Set
What he has: Wera Kraftform Plus 160i/6 Professional Screwdriver Set
17: Document Bag
To carry tools and important papers.
What he has: Husky 12 Inch Document Bag
18: Flashlight
Similar to what he has: Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
19: 64oz Water Bottle
Similar to what he has: 64oz Hydroflask
20: Large Backpack
What he has: Oakley Men’s Backpack
What’s your career path, and what do you carry in your work bag?
This is such a good post idea! I work from home currently, but my supplies for work are pretty much the same as yours. My husband is a personal trainer, so he carries very different items – things like resistance bands, a lacrosse ball (for rolling out muscles), and other fancy gym things I couldn’t tell you the name of. It’s interesting seeing the difference!