I have been working in the field much more lately and have been so good about not carrying big, heavy bags. I do not carry my laptop or documents with me unless absolutely necessary. For lighter days, I stick to a small bag and I hold it in my hand, not over my shoulder.
To further lighten my load, I have changed from a personal-sized to a pocket-sized planner. It is a long time since I have been in such a small size, but I decided to try it out for a while. It holds the bare minimum and so far has been a success. I cannot believe that for years and years I only used A5!
I have a few pocket sizes to switch between, but to start with I am in my Gillio Mia Cara in Epoca Gold. This is a first generation Mia Cara and was produced in about 2009 I believe. They are quite big and bulky due to the outer cover, but in pocket size it is manageable, and the extra space more than makes up for the small rings.
I have only just noticed (after almost ten years!) that both my first generation Mia Cara covers have square corners at the top, and rounded ones on the bottom. My later versions have square corners top and bottom. Strange!
I’ve gone the same route as you, A5 to start with in the 90s, then personal because my bad was getting too heavy with the textbooks, papers and the planners (I also had a pocket planner for personal planning). Then in 2018 I switched to a pocket planner for work and downloaded all my textbooks, videos, audio files, lessons plans, students lists etc on my laptop and my life changed! Not only did my bag got much lighter (I only carry my laptop, a thin notebook and a couple of pens) but the textbooks get updated regularly with new ressources and exercises which is a real bonus.
Thanks to technology I only have to carry a 900gr bag every day instead of the 3 to 5kg bag I used to lug around everyday.
I cannot believe how much I used to carry every day. Not surprised I have back problems now!
Indeed! I am not really a all-digital type of person. I love writing and the feel of paper. However I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to choose either paper or digital and as all the textbooks and ressources I need have gone digital, I have switched my books to my laptop. It is such a comfort on an everyday basis and I have ever had more updated lessons. I still have all my books at home and enjoy using them now and again.
Good luck! After several years largely in Pocket, I’m now moving up to Personal Compact for when out-and-about (still A5 at my desk). Slightly heavier, (155g versus 87g empty and typically 314g versus 198g in use) but my eyesight needs have now got beyond Pocket size!
Let’s see how my eyesight holds up!
Tim I know what you mean about the eyesight – personal is a stretch for me! (57)