47. Work-Life Balance Is a Lie: What Dentists Should Focus on Instead

If you’ve ever felt guilty about not having the “perfect” balance between work, family, and life, this episode will hit home. Chase and Ryan dig into the myth of work-life balance and why chasing it is a guaranteed way to stay frustrated.

They talk about the real grind of dentistry, the constant tug-of-war between clinic life and family life, and how the idea of “balance” sets up unrealistic expectations. Instead, they introduce a different framework — thinking in seasons. Sometimes it’s a season of long hours and late nights, and other times it’s a season of family trips, slower schedules, or health.

From letting go of shame to learning how to actually be present (yes, that means putting down your phone), this conversation is equal parts honest, funny, and practical. Chase and Ryan even share their own hacks — like muting phones at night, scheduling “rock priorities” first, and empowering their teams to take ownership so they can step back when needed.

At the end of the day, they remind us: you don’t need balance. You need presence, intentionality, and the freedom to embrace whatever season you’re in.

LINKS:

https://www.thedentistsshow.com

Episode Minute By Minute: 

• 00:00 – Welcome back & Chase’s move
• 02:00 – Work-life balance: the myth we all bought into
• 04:00 – Why balance doesn’t actually exist
• 06:00 – The “pursuit of happiness” trap
• 07:00 – What dentistry really looks like after 5 PM
• 08:00 – Seasons vs. balance: a healthier way to think about life
• 09:30 – How seasons play out in dentistry, family, and career
• 11:00 – The danger of extremes: all work vs. all family
• 12:30 – What Ryan hopes his kids say at his funeral
• 13:30 – The key: being present where you are
• 15:00 – Phones, distractions, and learning to disconnect
• 17:00 – BBQ talk: Chase’s new grill & Ryan’s steak routine
• 18:00 – Dan Sullivan’s free day concept & planning immersion days
• 19:00 – Letting go of control and empowering your team
• 21:00 – Health, growth, family: shifting focus by season
• 22:00 – Rocks, gravel, and sand: how to plan your year
• 23:00 – Family travel commitments and making memories
• 26:00 – Why guilt around “balance” isn’t worth it
• 27:00 – Social media hacks to stay present
• 28:00 – Final thoughts: forget balance, focus on what matters most