What can you accomplish on your lunch hour?

I spend my lunch hour nearly everyday right here at my desk. Not because I wouldn’t rather be in say, the break room, but because it is really the only time I have to cram in online research for my postings.

This past week has been crazy, but then every week is crazy if you are in PR. There is always some sort of “crisis” whether it is prescribed fire fallout, the drought; changes to hunting licenses or maybe the office fax is down AGAIN for the third time this week.

Anyways, if you have been following along then you know that I am working on improving my time management skills. One way I discovered is that while I eat my re-heated leftovers for lunch I can be checking my e-mail and cruising the blogs for interesting and useful information worthy of being passed on to my readers.

(By the way, the leftovers are much better than they sound, Thanks honey!)

Since my particular PR job requires that I be an environmental advocate (I know, tough sell right?) I am always looking for news items, new research, “green” advancements in technology, peace of mind etc. You get the picture.

I also cruise to find tidbits that will help my fellow new PR professionals as they make their way into the crazy world of work.

Just to provide a snapshot of what I’ve learned this week: Hopefully some of this will help you too!

First off, I apparently need to learn how to play cricket or else I will be forever doomed to boring American jobs with American bosses (probably male), who use ridiculous football metaphors. I think I will just work for myself, no sports knowledge required.

As for my future in PR, it appears that women do all the work, but receive less pay. This age-old argument has new research to back it up. A study from the National Association of Government Communicators says that while women dominate the communications industry they don’t dominate the pay scale. There are twice as many men in the top spots making between $110,000 and $150,000. In addition, our over-achiever nature will likely cause burn out if we are not vigilant. More than half of those surveyed do not believe they receive adequate compensation for the services they provide. This is nothing new women have been juggling career, children and community service for decades. Boy, wish I could get paid for all that laundry….

In the time-crunched world of public relations there is good news on the horizon. A four-day workweek will make us more productive and save the planet! (Wait a minute, why isn't this a part of a presidential campaign?) I hope this catches on and that I wasn’t dreaming when I read that. I have been advocating for a shorter week for as long as I can remember. My idea never seemed to catch on though, could be the boss just didn’t get the playing hooky for better health campaign. At least now I know there are others out there just like me. On the other hand, if we shorten the workweek can we go ahead and extend the day to 36 hours? Maybe then I will actually get something done!

Green living full speed ahead. If you live in Seattle you may soon have to pay big bucks to use plastic grocery bags. The mayor wants to charge consumers a “bag fee”. On one level I think this is awesome. On the other, what will I use to line my trashcans? (a joke!)

Companies who dump sludge will soon have to answer for their misdeeds. More and more press is being dedicated to the effects of bio-accumulation. This particular study focuses on toxins in birds. If you are quick to dismiss it remember who resides at the top of the food chain. We truly are what we eat.

Finally, if you are still looking for a way to pass those long drawn out lunch minutes you could also: post a blog, call your mom, donate to charity online, pay bills (yuck!), water your plants, do a crossword puzzle, read the comics, take a walk, work on an invention, color a children’s menu, achieve world peace (if you’re ambitious) or if all else fails…..eat your lunch in the break room!

All of this brought to you in under an hour! Happy Lunch!