Photo credit: BigStockPhoto/Kornilov Oleg
by Carmen Rickman, DSW, LCSW-C
When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, I was one of the unfortunate fortunate ones who lost their jobs. Trying to figure out where to go, I dusted off my business plan and started my own counseling and consulting business. Joys and pains came with this decision! This post is about how I learned to prioritize flexibility as a form of self-care that expands the joys and moderates the pains.
Discovering the Joys of Flexibility
With flexibility at my fingertips, my schedule consisted of three and a half work days. I could move appointments around to fit my travel, medical appointments, or mental health days. This was life! More importantly, the flexibility allowed me to be more present with my child and, yes, have a nap when needed. In 2021, I started my Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) journey, and the need for flexibility was even more apparent. On days I wasn’t working, I could focus on studying.
As I wrote in the “Z” entry of The A-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals, sleep has always been a self-care struggle for me. Having flexibility allowed me to manage my sleep better. Before the pandemic, my chronic insomnia had resurfaced. Sleep deprivation affected my ability to function and concentrate, often leading to low productivity, decreased critical thinking capacity, and minimal engagement with colleagues. At times, I was a walking zombie. Flexibility as a form of self-care helped me improve my sleep hygiene, which affected many other areas.
Opportunity Knocks. How Should I Answer?
After graduating with my DSW, I received a job offer I couldn’t refuse. But, should I? The job was full-time. A commitment to a 40-hour work week could mean losing the flexibility I’d grown accustomed to and was key for my self-care. However, this offer was my dream job. Opportunity awaited. But, which opportunity?
Importantly, I claimed my worth. I knew I could do the job well and the organization would benefit from my commitment and competence. Also, I knew I had the right and responsibility to protect my own wellness.
Instead of feeling locked into a false choice, I decided to negotiate my 40-hour work week. Full-time comes with benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and a 401K that I didn’t want to lose. I inquired about the minimum hours for a full-time position. I requested to be a full-time employee at 32 hours, and my salary was recalculated. Although I made some concessions, I got what I wanted and knew I needed most: flexibility to continue to practice self-care and minimize the risk of burnout.
F-That!
NASW updated the Code of Ethics to include self-care. Practicing self-care is part of professional social work practice, which can include the use of flexibility to manage workplace stressors and personal obligations. Flexibility as a form of self-care allows me to do the following:
- Improve time management: I’m able to manage competing priorities both personally and professionally. A shortened work week allows for longer weekends to rest and recalibrate. It improves productivity, as I am able to complete more tasks in less time.
- Decrease negative stress: Stress is unavoidable; it’s part of life. However, with flexibility, I give myself permission to take mental health days and leisure time, without guilt or shame. Because I have more control of my schedule, I manage stress more effectively.
- Promote focus: The decrease in work hours actually promotes focus when I’m engaged in my employment role. It also permits me to focus on other interests, including continuing as a business owner; engaging in professional development; and being present with family, friends, and community.
- Enhance life satisfaction: Flexibility improved my sleep habits, which positively shifted my mood and ability to function overall. Prioritizing this self-care leads to overall enjoyment and fulfillment in life.
When you find yourself saying “F-that,” consider taking it as an opportunity to incorporate flexibility as a form of self-care. This prioritization will likely mean approaching situations critically, assertively, and creatively. It may mean making some difficult choices. And, you may need to start with small steps. Your flexibility may look different from mine. But, I can attest that the exponential benefits make it worthwhile.
Carmen Rickman, DSW, LCSW-C, leads the evaluation and research efforts at a nonprofit as the Evaluation Manager, serves as a clinical therapist in her private practice, and is an adjunct instructor at a university. Carmen is a contributing author of the book The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals.