Can women in dentistry really have it all?

Bethany Rossington explains why ‘having it all’ means working out what you really want from life for women working in dentistry.

Time is our most precious asset. We can’t earn more of it, and once it’s gone, we never get it back. So, if you’re taking a moment out of your busy life to read this, I want to make it worth your while. I want this to resonate with you, to challenge you, and to leave you with something valuable.

You already know how to work hard. You’ve put in the effort, the long hours, the sacrifices. But if you’re asking yourself whether you can ‘have it all’ then something is missing. Some part of you is unsure. And that’s exactly why I’m here – to tell you that yes, you absolutely can have it all. But first, you need to define what ‘it all’ really means.

Understanding what you truly want

So often, we chase after things without stopping to question if they’re actually what we want. We get caught up in external influences – societal expectations, social media and the highlight reels of other people’s lives. We see success presented in a certain way and assume that’s the path we should be following.

But let me ask you: what do you truly want?

Not what looks good on paper. Not what others have told you to pursue. But what will actually bring you fulfilment? Because ultimately, everything we desire – whether it’s a thriving career, a dream home, financial success, or the perfect relationship – boils down to a feeling we’re seeking.

We want confidence. Security. Freedom. Contentment.

Yet, so many of us never pause long enough to identify the real driving force behind our ambitions. And when we don’t, we risk climbing a ladder only to realise it was leaning against the wrong wall all along.

The influence of social media and the illusion of success

Social media can be both a powerful tool and a dangerous trap. It presents an edited, polished version of reality that can make us feel like we’re falling behind. We see people with seemingly perfect careers, relationships, and lifestyles, and suddenly, we start to question our own choices.

But here’s the truth: someone else’s dream life might not be your dream life.

If we’re not careful, we can end up chasing a version of success that doesn’t actually fulfil us. That’s why it’s so important to step back and separate what we genuinely want from what we think we should want.

The next time you find yourself envying someone else’s life, ask yourself: Would I really want their day-to-day reality? Not just the highlights, but the effort, the sacrifices, and the challenges that come with it. If the answer is no, then it’s not your dream – it’s just a distraction.

Life happens in seasons

One of the biggest misconceptions about ‘having it all’ is the belief that we need to have everything at the same time. But life doesn’t work that way.

Our lives move in seasons. Some seasons are about career growth and ambition. Others are about family, personal development, or simply rest and recovery. The key is recognising which season you are in and embracing it, rather than resisting it.

If you’re in a season of intense career-building, don’t compare yourself to someone who is prioritizing family life, and vice versa. Every path is different, and every phase serves a purpose. True fulfillment comes from being present in your current season, rather than constantly longing for another.

The journey, the route and the roadblocks

Imagine your ideal life as a destination on a map. You know where you want to go, but the road to get there isn’t always straightforward. There will be obstacles, detours, and unexpected roadblocks. But just because the journey isn’t smooth doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.

One of the most powerful analogies I’ve ever heard compares personal growth to a hot air balloon. Your dreams and potential are the balloon, capable of rising high and carrying you to incredible places. But often, there are ropes holding it down – fears, self-doubt, external expectations, and limiting beliefs.

Ask yourself: what is holding me back?

• Fear of failure?
• Fear of judgment?
• A belief that you’re not good enough?
• A lack of time or resources?

Once you identify these ties, you can start cutting them, one by one. And as you do, you’ll begin to rise.

Doing more of what matters most

In the pursuit of ‘having it all’, it’s easy to spread ourselves too thin, focusing on everything except what actually brings us joy. That’s why prioritisation is key.

Instead of trying to do everything, focus on doing more of what truly matters to you. What brings you the most fulfillment? What adds the most value to your life? When you shift your energy toward these things, you’ll find that a lot of the noise fades away.

You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the right things for you.

Final thoughts

So, can we have it all? Yes.

Can we have it all at the same time? Not necessarily.

But by defining what success truly means to us, tuning out distractions, understanding the seasons of life, overcoming roadblocks, and focusing on what truly matters, we can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.

And that, more than anything else, is what ‘having it all’ really looks like.

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