backpacks are unprofessional

[the game]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase. Most of the people who responded said it depends on what field you're in. For example it would be unprofessional for a lawyer to carry one but for people who are in like the IT field a backpack is really the best option.


I can agree with this. Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.


What do you guys think of this?

[Paula Deen]

I think if they are going to tell me what to use to carry all the shit they have me working on. then they can pay for the bag/case/purse. Thats what I think.

[ItachiZaku]

I agree, in IT it's so much easier to have a backpack. Overnight for an onsite? Laptop, change of clothes. Just that carry on backpack. However, if you are a lawyer, I suspect you'd have a briefcase and a backpack - or full on travel luggage cuz them fuckers need a lot of shit sometimes.

[zenkai]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase. Most of the people who responded said it depends on what field you're in. For example it would be unprofessional for a lawyer to carry one but for people who are in like the IT field a backpack is really the best option.


I can agree with this. Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.


What do you guys think of this?

I don't think it's unprofessional either way, a backpack is way more practical and convenient. Fuck what other people think

[Medusa Cascade]

I use

[caervek]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase.

That article was either written by somebody old or some elitist snob (AKA a briefcase wanker :P). It's 2016, the use of backpacks/satchels has been fine for years.

[Cerilis]

I guess backpacks are ok for archaeologists. We are weird people after all.

[Spl4sh3r]

I will never carry a briefcase in any profession. For me a briefcase is a really annoying hazzle to carry around. I rather use a bag with shoulderstrap.

[Spectral]

Yeah, I'm in a travel-heavy IT position, and I'll be damned if I'm traveling with anything other than a backpack and duffel bag. A standard laptop backpack is always my choice going on site. I will admit that over the shoulder messenger-style bags for laptops can look a bit classier, but I don't feel the need for that in my position.

Lawyers need to signal hard to be successful in their careers. Stepping outside of the norm of a suit and briefcase signals that they don't give enough of a shit about their clients to follow expected social norms. This is a bad signal to send.

[Cerilis]

I use

Best bag ever. +1

[Machismo]

It's based mainly on the importance of appearance for a job. If you are wearing a suit, a backpack is going to cause it to wrinkle. A single strap pack is better, but can still cause problems. A backpack isn't a problem for someone wearing a polo and khakis, or a nerd jersey, because they tolerate wrinkles far better.

[caervek]

Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.

It would also be against HSE manual handling rules, so any employer who tried to demand it had better get a good solicitor and some vaseline.

[Iphie]

I think it depends on the job and on your current function. For example an archaeologist would be best served by a backpack in the field, but when having a presentation a briefcase might be better.

[Gamdwelf]

Backpacks work way better when commuting to work by bike.

[OreoLover]

If you're supported by appearances (business professionals, presumably?) then stick with what's common or most acceptable, in my opinion.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014...44422350608136

Those British court wigs...are an interesting dress code piece, to me.

[kamuimac]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase. Most of the people who responded said it depends on what field you're in. For example it would be unprofessional for a lawyer to carry one but for people who are in like the IT field a backpack is really the best option.


I can agree with this. Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.


What do you guys think of this?

imo it depends on position that you work at - if you are just regular worker/tech supposrt nobody gives a single f... about it - it changes when you have direct connection with high value customers, owners/higher managment of supply companies etc then stuff like dress code matters a lot. if your position is just pure tech support who has to repair stuff nobody cares what you carry and how you dress unless you are looking and smell like a hobo.

[Sunseeker]

I think that's probably accurate. If you're in one of the more traditional professional fields, a briefcase is the way to go, if you're in a more modern professional field, backpacks are usually acceptable.

[Kathandira]

So I saw an article on linkedin a couple of weeks ago that basically said it is unprofessional to carry a back pack in the professional world instead of a briefcase. Most of the people who responded said it depends on what field you're in. For example it would be unprofessional for a lawyer to carry one but for people who are in like the IT field a backpack is really the best option.


I can agree with this. Being in the IT field when I have to go out to campus to repair a computer or check out a network problem I carry a back pack. A briefcase would be very limiting when I need to carry various tools, laptops, testing equipment, and cables and stuff.


What do you guys think of this?

If you are a On Site technician, then sure.

I carry a messenger bag for my laptop, but that is it.

[oxymoronic]

I don't think it's unprofessional either way, a backpack is way more practical and convenient. Fuck what other people think

lol yeah right if you were on trial for murder and your lawyer came in with a backpack you would shit bricks. like others said, matters on the job.

- - - Updated - - -

I think that's probably accurate. If you're in one of the more traditional professional fields, a briefcase is the way to go, if you're in a more modern professional field, backpacks are usually acceptable.

sounds like you trying to put being a geek squad member above lawyer/banker. sounds silly, so stop it.

[Poppincaps]

If you wear a suit or button up and tie to work then I'd say stick with a suitcase. A backpack would look awkward whilst wearing a suit.