Do You Invest in Yourself like You Do Your Clients?

In this third piece arguing against the idea that it’s possible to “care too much” in care work, I suggest that you keep caring for others, but care for yourself, too.

I have talked about the concept of “caring too much” in care work and the idea that this “caring” leads to bad boundaries and burnout.

I don’t believe it’s possible to care too much. Rather, I have argued that suffering emerges from over-investment in the futures we imagine for our clients, and from over-investment in work itself. The third problem I address in this series is the issue of under-investing in ourselves.

I don’t mean getting our nails done or a day at the spa, although these indulgent acts of self-care are part of it.

I mean moving through your day with the profound belief that you are important. Like, not more important than anyone else, but important. Inherently valuable. Worthy.

While holding that belief about ourselves, it becomes natural to stay in our boundaries and to prioritize our wellbeing. Our decisions totally change when we value ourselves.

Think about it — Do you think you are just as important as the people you serve? Do you practice what you preach?

I believed a past job was so challenging and unpredictable that it was just too difficult to leave work on time…