When I made the decision to become a social worker, the main reason was because I wanted to help people. I was not expecting to become rich and in fact, I was told by many that I should not expect to make a lot of money. I was not deterred by this because I was more interested in having a meaningful career and doing work that mattered. As I progressed in my career, I realized that I had internalized the narrative that “good people don’t care about money and if I want more, I’m being selfish.” This narrative is not only discouraging but it is harmful and wrong.
Where this narrative came from
The narrative that wanting to make a good living is greedy or wrong had many origins for me. Part of it was from the messages I received about money while I was growing up which included money equals power with judgement, asking for help is shameful, and independence is protection. This led to a social work degree where helping others became a moral counterbalance. It normalized helping others, vulnerability was met with compassion, and power was intentionally redistributed.
How this narrative hurt me
I quickly realized that this narrative shaped my identity, ethics, boundaries, and challenged my ability to remain in this field. I began to experience shame for basic human needs such as stability, rest, and desiring financial security. It felt uncomfortable to ask for more money and led to multiple jobs and an unsustainable work schedule. When I eventually started my own private practice, it contributed to unclear policies and inconsistency regarding missed sessions and payment of balances. While I was advocating for others I was overlooking myself. When I built a team, it resulted in over-accommodation as a boss and responding as a therapist rather than a leader.
What I did about it
When I realized what was happening and how much this narrative was affecting my work and my business, I started making changes. I redefined ethics in business terms which included paying myself and my team fairly, considering what would contribute to longevity in this field, and making data-driven decisions as opposed to decisions based on emotion. I developed clear policies and ensured that they were followed. I tracked numbers without judgement and stoped over-explaining, I also began surrounding myself with people who normalized earning-other group practice owners who charge well and care deeply and coaches and consultants who speak openly about money and know their value.
Understanding the lie
The lie wasn’t that social workers won’t make money-it was that caring and earning couldn’t coexist. What I know now is that sustainability is not a betrayal of our values; it’s a requirement for living them fully. When social workers are financially supported, we stay longer, lead better, and create healthier systems for the people we serve and workplaces for our employees. You don’t have to choose between helping people and building a life that feels secure and expansive. You are allowed to want both and you are allowed to build them intentionally.
How we help
The consultants at Compassionate Consulting Company have been there. We all had to challenges the messages we received during our graduate programs. We also know what it feels like to have businesses that help people and are profitable. We help clinicians at every stage in practice build a business without losing their values or burning out. Learn more here.
