Submitted by Erin Caffrey, Pascale Communications' Executive Director

When I accepted a position at Pascale Communications, a virtual healthcare PR firm, I knew what virtual meant and welcomed the opportunity to take advantage of the home-office benefits! In sum, streamlined morning routine, no commute and more effective use of my time - I fell comfortably into the routine. What I didn't realize was that I would also be inspired to become more involved in my community.

When I worked the 40+ hour week at previous agencies, commuting back and forth daily, my time outside of work was limited. I felt that I had my social and professional "fill" by the time I made it through my front door. And forget even thinking about getting me back out once I stepped in my house! The day was over!

In my current virtual job, I work the same hours but since I have already spent a full day in my home office, I am inspired to reach beyond these walls and explore more philanthropic, professional and other volunteer opportunities in the community. What I've found is that Pittsburgh is ripe with talent as well as professional groups and non-profit organizations just waiting to take advantage of our skill sets.

The team at Pascale Communications has all subscribed to this mantra. Our virtual employees are located in Pittsburgh, NYC, Chicago and southern California. We are involved in groups like: The Children's Home, Pittsburgh Children's Museum, Goodwill Industries, IABC, Prevent Blindness America, Ophthalmic Women Leaders, Local Chambers of Commerce, among others.  

I guess what I am saying is that if you have the time, please donate it to those who could use it! And for those who are stuck on the Parkway West every morning, we hope you might consider that sharing even 30 minutes of your time with an organization who needs it might just make you "late" enough to miss the traffic home. Now, wouldn't smooth sailing on 376 be a nice way to end the day?