Here’s something that will surprise – nay, astound! – Véronique: Mothers who take time “off” to raise their kids tend to get lower wages when they do return to the workforce. We can discuss whether this is fair until we’re blue in the face, the fact remains that mothers who re-enter the workforce after a few years out of it aren’t in the same position, wage-wise, as women who never left.
But then, mothers have children. True, children tend not to help with one’s financial situation, at least not while they’re very young. But maybe there’s more to the work-life balance than a big paycheque?
by 
Are you glad you were born? Good! Say, “Thanks Mom” to her, because those simple, heart-felt words will mean far more to her than a restaurant meal, than a fine bottle of wine, or the latest haircut. Said a grandmother to me, “Once you’re retired, the new car and the new house mean next to nothing. What’s valuable, what’s special is a visit from your children and grandchildren.”
At an advanced age, you’ll become forgetful, your good judgement will slip; your loving, caring children will steer you to good decisions. Extra cash won’t.
The work/life balance catches up to all of us eventually…or at least to all of us who are honest enough to admit it.
When we had our first child, I was 24 and others considered me irresponsible.
When we had our second child, I was 26 and people considered me slightly nuts.
When we had our third (and, unfortunately due to complications, last) child, I was 30, and the people around me would look at our family, our little life, our happiness…and considered me lucky.
What the heck happened in those 4 years between questioning my sanity and thinking I “have it all”? Those women/men/couples are now looking at their lives seriously, wanting to have 2 or 3 kids…and realizing that even if they get pregnant tomorrow they’ll still be putting something off (a raise, a vacation, a lifestyle to which they are attached), or possible will be just too old.
Kids don’t interfere with your life. They change it completely. If you are happy with the paycheque and the lifestyle, then don’t have kids. If you have kids, then be happy with the “payment” you receive – a smaller life, but a more full one.