I need a new work notepad…

[PinkCrab]

Ok I appreciate this might be one of the most boring questions I’ve ever asked, BUT…

I’m starting a new job and really need to get better at note taking and organising. I need it to be A4 size, a page per day (so almost like a diary?) with loads of room to write notes - I don’t need a day planner as I use a digital calendar for appointments etc. I just want to be able to write important notes from meetings that day and maybe have a section for a to do list from that day too. Decent quality paper and a hard front/back so it doesn’t get battered in my bag. Even better if it looks professional/cute rather than appropriate for someone in Year 9…

Before anyone suggests it I did consider one of the digital notepads, but then saw the price. I also want to avoid using a programme on my laptop as I prefer not to have my laptop out in meetings where possible to avoid distractions from emails and Teams.

Won't there be a stationery cupboard at your new job. Avoid spending your own salary on office supplies!

Yes but with basic essentials only - it’s an education based role so no big stationary budget for staff!

Get a project book - one that is separated into sections. You can have one section for your 'to do' list, another for meeting note-taking, another for key information relating to your new role (e.g. when I started my last job I kept the names of key people and organisations in this section because there was no way I was going to remember everyone across 24 organisations from the the get go!) and then another section for 'scratch notes' - e.g. stuff that you need to note down but which doesn't have a 'home' as yet - in my one I had the office door passcode and the IT phone number (before I got my work phone and could keep the information there).

Something like this: https://www.viking-direct.co.uk/en/p/1089642?acqsgt=GB-R21&customerType=consumer&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA_GEN_Google-Shopping_Bucket2&utm_content=1089642&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20409413490&gbraid=0AAAAADy-SGa_vP9EWQnDgK0Px_XDZwa5b&gclid=CjwKCAiAzZ_NBhAEEiwAMtqKy8ZRUK47XVji2PhQ8APKSG1wSWoUgwN-e1a8oLEyYwEPmO3r4wz1xBoC5sAQAvD_BwE

I'm with you OP, who doesn't love a nice bit of stationary!

I used to buy an A4 note book that had movable sub-dividers in it, which meant I could separate specific work topic out and refer back to them easiler.

It was sold by Paperchase who obviously no longer exist, but Tesco's now stock them - https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/315014410?srsltid=AfmBOoqq5mSeTsLLvo5JO8KNaa9iUDVAFiz3ocwWVVDhKUUZ4MNR4LKx

Appreciate you might be looking for something a bit more snazzy/posh though. :)

Have a look in TK Maxx, loads of lovely notebooks in there.

Moleskine daily journal A4 sounds like the ideal option for you.

TK Maxx or Homesence is my go to for notebooks. They normally have a good range of colors/styles and sizes and look. I have got some really nice notebooks there.

I'm a fan of these from Rymans, although I prefer the A5 version for carrying about. Project books always seem like a good idea, but I find the sections are never the size I need. With a plain notebook you can make an index or use sticky page markers and make it your own.
www.ryman.co.uk/ryman-soft-cover-notebook-large-ruled-192-page

Second the TK Maxx recommendations. They sell a lot of high end brands like Moleskine at a fraction of the price.

I love my Papier journal OP, which has a space for to do lists, however it only comes in A5 size. They do have notebooks in A4 size though, although they're just plain notebooks https://www.papier.com/colourblock-60754

Paperchase @ Tesco is surprisingly good!

Sorry but I have to - it’s STATIONERY.

STATIONARY is being still / parked.

E for envelope
A for ambulance

The Moleskine ones are lovely, I use one for organising myself at home, but at work I use a company supplied A4 notebook and write the date at the top of each page.

Surely any A4 notepad will fit the bill. Just write the date and your to do list at the top and take all the notes you need on the rest of the page? Get hardback so it doesn't bend in your bag.