Remember, children are like farts, you don't mind your own, but everyone else's are horrible. Just because you don't like everyone else's kids, doesn't mean you would not love to be a parent yourself, but it's a very bold step to take, it's the biggest decision and commitment you will ever make in your life.
Once you have a family, it is very hard to strike a balance between being an individual, and your role as parent and spouse. There is often not enough resources of time, energy, and money for both, and the family has to come first. When both spouses make an effort to put the other's critical needs ahead of their own secondary needs, it works. Many families today are having kids in their 30's which is a major help, you have 10 years to save money, raise your income, and enjoy some independance before the family.
I am 40, 3 kids, career up the arse, besides an hour of exercise a day, I get about 1 hour a day to "myself" to read at the most, otherwise I spend all my time on work, kid's stuff or with the wife - which can also be relaxing and fun. Frankly, I'd be bored off my arse if I didn't have a family. Bored with taking vacations, going skiing, riding the motorcycle, bored with watching too much tv, bored with riding my bike, etc.
Financially, I count myself lucky to have a solid retirement saving started, college savings, a pension, and can still afford a Z after buying the family SUV, vacations, private school, etc. The best way to a happy life is an outstanding education, put in 20 years of ball busting hard work, get married, have kids, and stay married. It aint easy, but that's the way to have it all.
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