Self-Care, A-to-Z: Frugal February - Finances and Self-Care in Social Work

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Frugal February

by Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals 

Village life is sweet. We eat fish from the sea and grow much of our food.  We don’t have to buy much. (Robert, Gale’s Point, Belize basket-weaver and philosopher) 

     January, 2013, I joined an interdisciplinary team to offer a medical and wellness clinic in Gale’s Point (population = less than 300).  Economically poor, this village offered hospitality, beauty, and a perspective in stark contrast to U.S. consumerism. I was particularly inspired by Robert, who measured good life by what he does NOT buy. Upon my return, I declared Frugal February!  

     In February, I refrain from making non-essential purchases. I invite you to join me in a “Frugal February” reflection.  (If a month is too much, consider doing Frugal Fridays or another modification.) Each year, this exercise causes me to dig deeper into the connections between money and meaning; simplicity and self-care; and other aspects of finances and well-being. I offer this Triple “A” list for finances and self-care.

Awareness

     Awareness.  First, we must authentically reflect on our attitude toward money! Suze Orman, financial guru, advises people to understand their relationship with money. (Notably, Suze Orman has a BSW!)  

     Consider how finances have an impact on your well-being. Are you in significant debt? Do you feel overwhelmed by that debt and finances, in general? How do your beliefs about money impede your self-care? Do you buy into the consumeristic mindset of our dominant culture? Myth-bust: Many have the mistaken notion that self-care is expensive, involving massages and spas. Actually, effective self-care is incorporated into each individual’s lifestyle—and individual budgets.  

Action

     Action. In considering your relationship with money, identify goals. Then, take immediate action to foster a healthier relationship with money. Use resources!  If intimidated by lack of knowledge about finances, consider seeking help. Ask someone you trust how they handle finances and resources they recommend. As we become more aware, honest, and intentional about finances, we begin to see the array of resources available.

Advocacy

     Advocacy. “Social workers are in it for the outcome, not the income.”  I disagree! This adage sets up a false dichotomy between meaningful work AND equitable income. Too often, social workers buy into this false dichotomy and self-abdication. We bemoan poor salaries, while believing we can’t expect better. Social workers advocate justice for all. AND, social workers are a part of ALL!  

     We must, individually and collectively, advocate for the compensation that our valuable contribution to society deserves. As a profession, we must claim professional respect. Notoriously, social workers (especially females) do not even ASK for better salaries and benefits. We must begin to do so.  

     As part of self-care, consider how to negotiate more money or other benefits from your job.  Perhaps, ask the agency to increase your pay-grade, pay for additional training or licensure supervision, provide you more flex-time or time-off, and so forth. Also, advocate that your agency invest in employees through organizational wellness commitments.

     Use “Frugal February” to become more aware of how finances affect your self-care. Take steps toward healthier finances. Self-care: You’re worth it!

Peace, Love, & Self-Care, Erlene

drerlene@gmail.com

Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT, MSW, MRE is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC.  This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals.  As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights.  Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!