Back in my former life in 2019, my work bag might as well have been my fifth limb. It was stuffed to the brim, carrying everything I could ever possibly dream of needing, my sore and aching shoulder be damned. My favorite Trader Joe’s treats , backup headphones, chargers, an umbrella—if there was a 1 percent chance I might need it, it was transported through the city on my shoulder. But now? The idea of packing a work bag after almost 18 months of not needing to feels like a task I just don’t know how to do. More importantly, I’m a completely different person than the last time I shoved my belongings in my tote, and “office essentials” has taken on a whole new meaning. Now that we’re slowly but surely making our way back to office life, my work tote and I are meeting again like it’s the first time, and its belongings are a little different than they used to be. Here are the things I’m taking to work with me—and the things I’ll never pack again. 1. A big water bottle ...