Let’s face it: looking inside someone else’s bag, especially when it’s a carefully planned arrangement for business, can be strangely rewarding. Whether you’re working from a comfortable coworking space or traveling into a busy office, what’s in a person’s work bag may tell you a lot about their routine, priorities, and personal style.
I decided to show you my work bag today, which includes daily necessities, small lifesavers, and a few treats I simply cannot leave the home without. Not to be overlooked is the bag itself.
First things first—the bag.
Let me tell you that my workplace setting would not be the same without my Harris Tweed shoulder bag, which I carry from ShamrockGift. This purse isn’t your typical one. Crafted from genuine Harris Tweed—yes, the type that is handmade in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides—it is equally polished, timeless, and fashionable. It had the air of “I have my life together,” even when I’m running to catch the train with a half-eaten croissant in one hand and coffee in the other as soon as I viewed it online.
It has the ideal amount of space for everything I need without being a black hole, and its build is strong without being heavy. Additionally, the leather details and tweed fabric give it a sophisticated, vintage vibe that never fails to get praise.
Let’s see what’s inside now.
The Tech Arsenal
- My laptop is always with me, of course, and my reliable 13″ MacBook Pro fits neatly into the bag’s cushioned part. I also have:
- A portable charger (my Anker power bank is my go-to device)
- An earphone set with noise cancellation for extended periods of work
- A USB-C hub—because you never know what port situation you could encounter
Additionally, I carry a little wireless mouse in a side pocket. Yes, I can work with a trackpad, but when it comes to altering images or navigating spreadsheets, nothing compares to the accuracy of a mouse.
The Paper Stuff
I still love analog, even in this digital world. I have a slim planner and a little leather-bound notebook (which I use more than I thought I would) where I can jot down thoughts, plan out my week, or simply rant with a pen when Outlook is giving me trouble. A few highlighters and fine-point pens are stowed away in the bag’s inside zip pocket.
Post-its? Always. I use them as reminders, bookmarks, or impromptu to-do lists, yet they still seem to become trapped on my home monitor.
The Office Survival Kit
I carry a few items that might seem unnecessary but believe me, they have saved my day more times than I can remember:
- A little lint roller is very helpful after using dubious metro seats.
- Small umbrella because the weather is never cold where I live
- Breath mints are necessary for meetings after lunch.
- Mini deodorant—no justification is required
- Because the air in offices is as dry as dust, hand sanitizer and lotion are essential for hygiene.
The Personal Touches
These are the small things that provide enjoyment or ease to my day:
- Reusable water bottle: staying hydrated is essential.
- Snack item: I prepare a trail mix pouch or granola bar for the 3 PM collapse.
- Kindle: for reading while traveling (or seeming to read in order to avoid small chat)
- A set of blue-light lenses: every day, my eyes express gratitude to me.
The Unexpected MVP
Alright, this one is a little arbitrary, but I carry a tiny, folding grocery bag in a side pocket of my work bag. It is useful for transporting workplace leftovers home or for supermarket shopping, and it doesn’t take up any room.
