A Dynamic Duo: Thriving Together in Business and in Love

Beverly Wilburn

Today’s workforce is always evolving. Finding great employees with the kind of work ethic needed to build successful businesses is becoming increasingly harder. This results in more couples finding themselves working together. Whether it be starting a new business, joining forces in a family-owned company, or working in the same corporate environment, spouse-centered business relationships are on the rise. Though it is hard to determine exact statistics for this type of business model, studies show that more than one quarter of US-based small businesses are run by couples. While the idea of blending professional and personal lives may seem either ideal, “I love working together, it is the best part of my day” or overwhelming, “I quit at least 3 times this week”, the reality is a dynamic dance of benefits and challenges, and strategies and fun, for making it a success.

The Perks Of Partnering

Could cohabitation in the workspace with your spouse genuinely work? What would be exciting about collaborating professionally?

1. Shared Goals and Vision – Couples who start businesses together often have a shared mission and values, including personal values, which can create a strong sense of purpose and alignment in their work.

2. Increased Time Together – Many working professionals struggle to find enough time to spend with their spouses at home. Working together allows couples to interact more frequently, strengthening their bond.

3. Trust and Reliability – A spouse is often the most trusted person in your life. This makes an ideal business partner. Knowing you can rely on your partner to act in the best interest of the business fosters an immense sense of security.

4. Financial and Career Benefits – Owning a business or working together can lead to better financial strength, pooled resources, and reduced costs associated with hiring outside help.

5. Complementary Skill Sets – Many couples naturally balance each other in strengths and weaknesses. One may be detail-oriented while the other focuses on big-picture thinking, creating a well-rounded business operation.

6. Flexibility – Children and home life responsibilities can be better managed when working together as business partners, as they can often back each other up when needing to be out of the office.

The Challenges Of Loving And Laboring Together

Despite the potential benefits, working with a spouse can also present challenges. If these challenges are not addressed, they can strain both the relationship and the business and lead to home-life chaos, too.

1. Blurred Boundaries Between Work and Home – When a couple works together, it’s easy for professional discussions to seep into personal time. This can make it difficult to separate work stress from home life stress.

2. Power Struggles and Role Confusion – In business, leadership roles need to be clearly defined. If both spouses want to lead, disagreements may arise. Conversely, if one takes a dominant role, the other may feel undervalued.

3. Constant Togetherness – While spending more time together is often seen as a perk, too much time in each other’s presence—without personal space—can lead to burnout and tension.

4. Difficulty Handling Conflict – Workplace disagreements are normal, but when a spouse is involved, emotions may escalate faster than they would with a non-romantic business partner.

5. Financial Stress – If both partners rely on the same business or job for income, financial uncertainty can add pressure to both their professional and personal lives.

SUCCESSFUL SYNCING

Balance, communication, and professionalism for the win.

1. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities

To prevent power struggles and role confusion, it’s crucial to establish who is responsible for what. Assign tasks based on each person’s strengths and expertise rather than traditional gender roles or assumptions.

2. Establish Work-Life Boundaries

Create clear distinctions between work and home life. Set specific times for business discussions and commit to avoiding work talk during personal time, such as dinner or date nights.

3. Communicate Openly and Regularly

Good communication is the foundation of any successful relationship and business. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss work progress, concerns, and personal feelings about the business.

4. Maintain Individual Identities

It’s easy for one’s identity to become enmeshed with their partner’s when working together. Ensure each person has hobbies, social activities, and personal time outside of work.

5. Respect Each Other’s Expertise

Trust your spouse’s strengths and let them lead in their areas of expertise. Offer each other respect and admiration for their strengths.

6. Create a Conflict Resolution Plan

Disagreements will always arise. Having a predetermined way to handle conflicts—whether through scheduled discussions, professional mediation, or a designated “coolingoff” period—can prevent arguments from damaging the relationship.

7. Make Time for Fun and Romance

Just because you work together doesn’t mean you’re spending quality time together. Set aside time for non-work-related activities to keep the romantic connection alive.

8. Keep Professionalism in the Workplace

Maintain a professional attitude at work, treating each other as colleagues rather than spouses when in a business setting. This fosters respect from employees, clients, and colleagues.

Happily Ever After

In 2024, at the Dental Entrepreneur Woman Retreat, we had the honor of 10 Dental Spouses being in attendance. These extraordinary women play various roles in and around the dental space. Most are partnered in some way in their practice, or are now seeking their next chapter in dentistry, but all share an active role in their business. These humans are a phenomenal resource for making spouse-connected partnerships work both inside and outside of the dental space. If you are married to a dentist and seeking that extra level of support and care, join Dental Spouses in Business™.

Before deciding to collaborate professionally or even to explore this option in partnership, consider these questions:

• Do you and your spouse communicate well?

• Can you set clear and defined boundaries between work and home life?

• Are you willing to compromise and respect each other?

• Can you handle disagreements professionally without letting them affect your relationship or holding grudges?

• Do you share the same long-term vision for your business?

If the answers to these questions are mostly yes, working together may be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you’ve ever had in the workplace. If you can’t answer positively, it might be best to keep your work and your marriage separate.

It is so important for couples who want to thrive both in business and in their home relationship to understand the level of commitment necessary, as well as the love and patience required to make it work.

Beverly Wilburn is a proud Dental Entrepreneur Woman and serves as VP of the DeW Advisory Board. She is the founder of Dental Spouses in Business™, a trusted advisor who sparks revenue generators for businesses and entrepreneurs in the dental space, and most importantly, a friend.