We don’t have to work for free

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 clientsHow undervaluing ourselves undermines the professionBalancing generosity and sustainability in practiceThe difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploitedResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itWhy do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Saving money starting out and the mistakes we madeAlso 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?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to [email protected], and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, 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 WorkReflect, 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