Black Friday is just around the corner; even though it’s a fairly new phenomenon in Canada, you can’t turn around without seeing flyers, billboards, and commercials and advertising the day. But Black Friday isn’t just about fighting your neighbours for discount TVs – it’s your chance to upgrade your work life with some practical workplace gear. Whether you’re out fighting crowds, or shopping from the comfort of your couch, consider picking up some of these to help give your career development a boost.
“I’m Totally Paying Attention” Zoom Shirt: A shirt so magical, it looks professional from the waist up, and you can pair it with your favourite pyjamas or gym shorts, and no one will be the wiser. Bonus points if it’s wash-and-wear, and stain resistant.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones, AKA The Introvert’s Force Field: Because nothing says “I’m working” like a headphone setup that screams “DO NOT DISTURB” louder than your cat’s judgmental stare during video calls.
Ergonomic Chair of Infinite Possibilities: A chair so comfortable, it’s like a productivity rocket ship crossed with a massage throne. You’ll bounce between brilliant work mode and “I’m living my best ergonomic life” faster than you can say “lumbar support”! It’s basically a career superhero, supporting your back and your dreams simultaneously.
Portable Green Screen: Transform your home office corner into any background you want. Tropical beach during a budget meeting? Professional conference room when you’re actually in your pyjamas? Or take it on your next vacation so you can “totally be working from home!”
Multi-Tasking Mug: A coffee mug with so many ridiculous features, it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of workplace accessories. Heated base? Check. Motivational quotes? Double-check. Ability to secretly hold emergency chocolate? TRIPLE CHECK.
Productivity Tracker That Totally Doesn’t Shame You: A device that tracks your work progress but has a sense of humour. “Congratulations! You’ve been working for 17 minutes! Here’s a virtual high-five!”
The “Confidence Catalyst” Blazer: A blazer so magical, it transforms your comfy loungewear into a power outfit faster than you can say “professional glow-up”! One zip, and suddenly you’re not just binge-watching – you’re a career superhero ready to conquer Zoom meetings and life itself.
Workplace Wellness Wizard: A portable standing desk that turns your kitchen into a productivity paradise. Part ergonomic genius, part lifestyle revolution – it’s like giving your work routine a high-energy makeover that says, “I’m not just working, I’m levelling up my entire professional existence!” Who knew your countertop could become your personal performance stage?
The Ultimate Networking Survival Kit: Includes business cards, breath mints, and a secret compartment for emergency networking small talk cue cards. Bonus: tips for Introverts on how to leave a networking event with no one noticing.
Professional Development Subscription Box: Like a mystery box, but instead of random knick-knacks, you get monthly career-boosting surprises. Might include motivational socks, random skill-building cards, or a miniature desk plant that judges your productivity.
Investing in yourself doesn’t have to mean selling a kidney; although if that kidney comes with a really good LinkedIn recommendation, then it might need a second look. Black Friday shouldn’t be a distraction from work, consider it professional development, and a chance to get the right tools to take your career to the next level. Think about your purchases as investments in your most important asset: you. Who knows? That multitasking mug or confidence-boosting blazer might just be the sidekick your career has been waiting for.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners get the right tools to best serve their clients.