As the end of my university career is approaching, I’ve quickly realized that I’m a bit of an odd one out among my classmates and friends: I don’t have to look for a job after graduation. Stumbling into freelancer life has put me in an incredibly lucky position, and is a job I’m still surprised I have! Despite the freelancer lifestyle is perfect for the way I function (I’m starting to consider I may have some form of ADD, which runs in my family), I haven’t come to terms with the fact that it’s a real job for me.

Anyway, I’ve come to really enjoy my little-on-the-go lifestyle of work. Since I mainly work at coffee shops around my city, I thought I’d share what I bring with me to make my days the most productive while I’m out and about. Here’s what’s in my freelancer bag!

The Bag Itself

Hayley Elsaesser Cherry Bag

I’m really picky about backpacks. The bag I had before my current one was going on 5+ years of use and was only thrown out because it was falling apart. I’m particular about my shit, what can I say? When I saw this adorable bag from Hayley Elsaesser on sale this winter, I knew it had to be mine. It’s big enough for my laptop, made from vegan leather, and is just generally an example of the aesthetic I want to embody. It has two side pockets, a front pocket, two inside pockets and a laptop sleeve.

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Front Pocket

Phone

If my smartphone isn’t on my person, it’s usually in this pocket. While a lot of people may think bringing their phone with them to work would be a distraction, I use mine for work so it kinda balances out. Updating my Instagram can only be done on my phone, and things like messaging my Patreon patrons, or replying to a quick email about a sponsored post,  are so much easier done on my mobile. I currently have a battered Samsung S7, but I’ll be upgrading in the near future to an S9, Pixel, or if someone really wants me to, an iPhone 8+.

Sunglasses

I always have a fly pair of sunglasses in my front pocket for easy access when the sun comes out. Thankfully summer is fast approaching so I’m getting more chances to use them. Hopefully, I’ll be investing in some prescription ones soon!

Lipstick of the day

Since sipping on iced mochas and eating tomato-avacado paninis tends to mess up my lipstick from time to time, I always make sure to bring it with me to re-apply.

Pens & Stylus

I carry all colours of pens for jotting down my ideas in my notebook. A couple of them double as styluses, so if I’m drawing on my Instagram story and need something a bit more precise than my manicured fingers, I’m good to go.

Keys

DO NOT FORGET THEM.

Headphones

If I need to edit a smutty video on the go, I have to have my headphones. Or else, you know, it would be pretty awkward and uncool for me to play moaning out loud in a public place. Don’t do that peeps.

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Main Pocket:

Laptop + Charger

As much as my laptop isn’t working for me right now (I need an upgrade in the near future), it still keeps me going. I have an Acer Aspire E5-574, which I picked up on sale at Best Buy a couple years ago. It’s decked out stickers, including some of my fave sex toy companies, a Broad City logo, and a sandwich. I always have my charger packed in my bag too.

Portable Phone Charger

The best investment I’ve ever made as a creator on the go, was buying a good quality portable phone charger. As someone who uses her phone for work purposes, whether it be live-Tweeting, making Instagram stories or even writing on the go, I need to have my phone charged throughout the day. Having my phone charger on me means that I don’t have to worry about finding a plug, and it means I can charge while I’m out and about. I suggest the Anker 20000mAh Portable Charger. It can charge my phone up to 4 times so it’s amazing.

Big NoteBook or Calendar

I have both a Bando notebook and calendar that interchange places in the main part of my bag. When I’m feeling particularly creative, I like to have a physical book to jot notes into. It feels a lot better than typing to me (maybe it’s the organic lines of writing idk) so having some paper available is a must for me.

Wallet

An obvious must-have for working on the go. Not only should you always have your ID’s and debit/credit cards or cash on you for buying coffee and food at cafes, but I also store my business cards and stickers in there as well. (PS. don’t forget to tip your baristas and servers if you can!)

Sex Toy

Yupp, sometimes I bring a sex toy along with me on my café jaunts. Usually, when I’m writing a review remotely, I pop the toy I’m writing about in my bag for reference. It’s always good to have a physical representation when you’re memory isn’t supplying enough for you to work off of. It helps especially when I need to describe a shape or vibration pattern.

Mini Ring Light

You can’t guarantee good lighting when you’re out and about, so I recommend bringing along a good light with you! My big ring light doesn’t fit into my bag, but luckily companies make a smaller one that attaches to my phone! I clip it to one of the smaller inside pockets for safe keeping.

Side Pockets

Water Bottle

I’m actually slacking on this at the moment, but you should be drinking water while you’re working away! Unfortunately, I lost my waterbottle at a recent conference, so I still need to replace it  (and I should, I’m hella dehydrated).

Deodorant

My body sweats a lot, so I always need to be conscious of how I smell. One of my side pockets always has a fragrance-free deodorant in it to combat the natural smells while still being friendly to those with scent sensitivities.

 

What do you keep in your work bag?