Now in my 20s, some of my friends are having children, some are in their dream careers, and some are travelling. I can’t help but feel like I’m left behind. Being in a long-term relationship, the conversation of children has recently come up, and I am so lucky to have a partner who wouldn’t mind either way. Maybe I will change my mind in the future. However, that doesn’t warrant the responses I get from people now. I always explain to people that I am career-driven; I am so excited to progress in the industry I choose, and having to fit school pick-ups around this isn’t something I want to do. I am also aware of the irreversible effects that childbirth would have mentally and physically, and while people tell me that it’s worth it, it is also something that I wouldn’t want for myself. Economically, having a child is a huge commitment and saving my money to go travelling with my partner and seeing the world is something I have always wanted to do.
Even after relaying all these reasons, I often get the same responses:
And these are the responses I can brush off. However, one that has always stuck with me was a male friend telling me that because I am a woman with a uterus, it is my obligation to bring life into this world. Why is there such a big expectation for me to have a child?
The point of this article is that I want to let readers know that it is ok to not want children, whatever the reasons are. And to not let anyone make you feel guilty for it. Whether that is parents who want grandchildren or grandparents who want great-grandchildren, it is your life and your decision to make.
