Join me as I take you through my after-work routine. For those who haven't read my previous blog, I'm Jian Ornopia, a Licensed Professional Teacher here in the Philippines working in one of the largest consultancy agencies in the world.
Welcome to the locker area, where employees can securely store their belongings. Each employee has their own locker to ensure the safety of their personal items. After finishing work, I always stop by my locker to organize my things before leaving for the day. Join me, and I'll give you a glimpse of what's inside my locker at work.
Upon arriving at my locker, I make it a priority to secure my laptop safely inside my backpack. As the end of the shift approaches, it's time to head home, and it's necessary to bring the laptop along for the ride. We cannot store our laptops inside the locker. I've found that using a backpack is the most reliable way to protect my laptop during travel rather than using sling bags, it is essential to ensure that everything I need for work is with me at all times.
In 2016, when I first started working in the business processing outsourcing industry, personal computers were still the norm in our office. However, as time passed, laptops became the preferred choice for most companies. While laptops are generally faster and have more updated software, it can be a hassle to carry them around every day. Despite the inconvenience, I understand why the company chose to make the switch.
Using a backpack to carry my belongings brings back memories from my high school days. During college, I already used a sling bag Back then, I only carried a few notebooks and didn't need many books. So I did not used a back pack during college. Now that I'm working, I'm back to carrying a backpack like a high school student, but for a different reason. I love my backpack because it has a laptop compartment that keeps my laptop safe, along with plenty of space for other items. It's convenient and helps me stay organized.
Once I've stowed my laptop in my bag, I take a moment to tidy up my smaller work bag. This is where I keep all my office essentials, and I like to keep it organized. Here's a peek at what I've got in there.
This is my small work bag that I carry together with my laptop. I will show you one by one the things I have inside.
As we are handling calls for our international clients, it is essential for me to have a headset to communicate with them effectively. To do this, I will connect the headset to both the work telephone and my laptop. My work laptop is also crucial for me to perform my duties, so it is something I cannot forget.
I rely on this LAN cable to connect my work laptop to our office telephone. It's an essential component, as it allows my laptop to interface with the necessary software.
This is my mouse, and I always bring it with me because it's very convenient rather than using the laptop cursors, and it will make my work faster and easier. I did not have a mouse at all, but it was tough to navigate, so I decided to buy my mouse. It's one of the best decisions I've made in work by investing in things that I need for me to be able to function well in my work.
Inside my small work bag, I always keep my laptop charger. Even though my laptop has a strong battery life, I prefer to carry the charger with me. This is because I want to avoid any hindrances in my work if the battery goes low. Although my laptop can function without a charger, I prefer to be prepared just in case it gets a low battery.
I love having my laptop riser as it elevates my laptop to the right level for me. Typing at a normal level on the table strains my neck and causes headaches. By placing my laptop on the riser, it's at the same level as my head, and I can type without having to look down all the time. Using a laptop riser is very convenient for me for this reason.
In order to secure our laptops at work, it is important to use a cable lock. This is a highly secure method of preventing theft, as a cable lock cannot be opened without the keys. It is crucial to ensure that your laptop is always secured with the cable lock, as leaving it unsecured is an offense. Once you have set up your laptop, be sure to attach the cable lock to keep it safe and secure at all times.
I make a point to always have my cleaning wipes on hand. They come in handy for cleaning my laptop, headset, and other things at work, as well as getting rid of any unnecessary dirt that needs cleaning. The cleaning wipes are compact enough to fit in my bag, making them a convenient option. Not only do they effectively remove dirt, but they also keep my belongings looking clean and well-maintained.
It is essential for me to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at all times, especially in the workplace. That's why I always carry alcohol with me to keep my hands and things sanitized. It's important to keep the workplace clean and germ-free to ensure safety and well-being.
I always keep my bottle of Human Nature sunflower oil on hand. This versatile oil is great for both your hair and skin, providing benefits across your entire body. When my hair is feeling dry, I use sunflower oil and it's also a go-to for keeping my skin healthy and hydrated. With so many benefits, it's easy to see why I love this sunflower oil.
I always keep a small bottle of body lotion in my bag to keep my skin hydrated and healthy, especially during long periods of taking calls. It's become a handy essential for me to use whenever I feel like my skin is getting dry.
I always carry a small mirror in my bag to check my appearance throughout the day. It helps me keep track of how I'm looking and make any necessary touch-ups. Plus, it's always nice to have a quick peek after a stressful day to see how much it shows on my face. Hahaha!
I always carry a small comb with me to brush my hair during free time. To add shine to my hair, I use sunflower oil that I bring along and then brush it with a tiny hairbrush. I brush my hair a couple of times to keep it shiny and healthy. Although the color is already faded, I haven't found the energy to buy a new one yet. I found this one at 7/11 for thirty nine pesos and it was perfect for me as it was tiny and could fit in my small work bag.
What are we? ADULTS.
Menthol rubs and massage oils have become vital parts of our lives, and they play a crucial role in providing relaxation and relief from stress. I always carry them with me as they help me to de-stress after a long and tiring day. In addition, I use them at work when I feel a headache coming on due to excessive workload. They are also helpful in managing cough and congestion.
In the Philippines, the weather can be unpredictable. One day you may experience scorching heat, and the next day it may rain heavily. To keep my feet from getting smelly after getting wet from the rain and entering the office, I always bring my foot spray from Human Nature. It's safe to use as it contains healthy ingredients and is paraben-free. Plus, it has been proven and tested to keep your feet smelling fresh. I have been using this for quite some time already.
And that's it. That ends my bag raid for everything I bring inside my small work bag. That is what I bring inside my workstation, together with my laptop and my water tumbler.
My locker is always stocked with four things that I need for work. First, I have my water tumbler. Staying hydrated is key, so I always keep it with me at work. But when I'm home, it stays in my locker. Next, I have my favorite mug and spoon for my favorite oat milk. I love stirring it up and enjoying it in my favorite mug. I also keep my jacket in my locker for when the office gets chilly. I also have my blanket, I love using it when I take a nap in our company's nap room during lunch breaks. These four items are my go-to essentials for a productive workday.
After organizing my things in my locker, I remembered I had some food; my beau brought to me earlier, so I told my workmate to join me and eat my food in the pantry. We heated the food in our company's microwave, and then we ate it before we headed home.
It's heartwarming to know that your beau thinks of you while he's at work. He brought me baked butter scallops, grilled chicken, and grilled bangus paired with a tub of rice. He is working in one of the top restaurants in the Philippines. He is one of the most thoughtful person I know and for that I am very thankful. It was the perfect way to end a stressful shift. Stress-eating with my workmate. We then headed home after we ate.
It was heartwarming to step out of the office and see my workmate’s daughter, and boyfriend waiting for her. Witnessing their progress as a small family and couple filled me with joy. Capturing her daughter's smile on camera was a delightful moment, but it made me miss my own son. It's always a great feeling to reunite with those you love after a long day at work and leave behind the day's stress.
I then headed to the jeepney stopover and made my way home. It only takes me 5 to 10 minutes to get from my workplace to my apartment, and the fare is 15 pesos. Time to relax and get some rest. Today was a productive day at work. Ciao!
