Social work is often framed as a profession of sacrifice, but does that mean we should give away our time and expertise for free?

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack the belief that charging for our services makes us less caring. We talk about fee transparency, the real costs of running a practice, and how the expectation of free or underpaid labour undermines both social workers and clients.

We also reflect on the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and the difference between choosing to give back through volunteering or community work and being pressured to undervalue ourselves.

We cover:

• Why social workers are pressured to work for free (and why it’s harmful)
• The hidden costs of private practice (training, HEX debt, ongoing supervision)
• Fee transparency and clear expectations with clients
• How undervaluing ourselves undermines the profession
• Balancing generosity and sustainability in practice
• The difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploited

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
• Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?
• Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made

Also explore:

Open letter from Ashon Hayes - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accredited-mental-health-social-worker-ashton-hayes-idq9c/

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

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Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

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Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move?

https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move?

https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work