When a social worker came into a modest inheritance, she didn’t head straight to the shelter with a check in hand.

Instead, she went to the gym, the dentist, and therapy—finally focusing on herself after years of scraping by.

But when her well-meaning friends found out she wasn’t giving the money away, the judgment came fast.

Is self-care really selfish if you work in social services?

Check out the details and decide for yourself.

AITA for not sharing my inheritance with the less fortunate?

I recently received a life-changing inheritance.

It is low six figures, not enough to retire early or quit my job, but definitely enough to breathe easier.

I’ve always been extremely frugal.

I shop at the thrift store, don’t eat out, etc.

As soon as I got the money, I met with a financial advisor.

I invested, and tucked most of it away.

Smart.

I also kept a portion to finally take care of myself.

This is something I’ve never had the chance to do.

I’m fixing my teeth, going to the gym, seeing a therapist.

Just basic self-care, things I had to put on hold for years while living paycheck to paycheck.

For context, I work in social services, helping people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

It’s meaningful work, but it doesn’t pay much, and I’ve struggled financially myself.

I love my job, and knew going into this line of work that I would not make much.

I like helping clients and interacting with them.

Better to like your job than be miserable and rich!

Since getting this inheritance, some friends have made it clear they think I should donate it.

They’ve told me that if I really cared about my clients, I would give a significant portion to charities, shelters, or even directly to the people I work with.

Some have even called me selfish for keeping it.

I have not told my friends exactly how much I got, but they knew that the family member was well off.

Wow.

This reaction has really hurt me.

I care deeply about the people I work with.

I also do donate money already to causes that I hold close to my heart.

I did an internship at a group home for adults with autism, and I donate to that group home twice a year.

I feel like maybe they are right, and I should be doing more but I also have to take care of myself.

AITA for choosing to prioritize my own well-being instead of donating a large portion of my inheritance?

Reddit didn’t see a moral obligation tied to her job title…

In fact, this person said, spend that money how you want, Sis.

This person has the perfect dialogue of what to say next.

This person has some wise knowledge to remember.

She helps people all day—but apparently, helping herself made her the villain of the week.

Her friends need to back off.

If you liked this post, you might want to read this story about a teacher who taught the school’s administration a lesson after they made a sick kid take a final exam.