whats more important

[MiniN]

career or children?

[MiniN]

well what about you then?

just wondering what people choose as their personal preference

[redcrx]

Im a work to live, got a career before I had a child.

Now i have both and both are rewarding.

[MiniN]

i think i am work to live, but also too young for baby's and whatnots at the mo

[unruliejulie]

Children, without a doubt are the most important thing to me and it should be work to live! Having a career has never been on my list but thats my personal choice and everyone has a right to either or better still both if thats what they want.

[B00]

Children definitely.

I've never been career minded, I've always looked on work as something i have to do in order to have money (hah!) to do things I want to do or have.

[4getmenot]

Children are important to me, but I would never have a child if I couldnt afford a good life for them

[nat_84]

Well i'm goign to have to make this decision this year as i'm still pretty young and have a baby on the way...

My tricky decision at the moment is...

do we buy a LOVELY two bedroom flat in London (which if i work full-time we'd be able to afford comfortably) but risk missing my daughters first moments (!) or do we buy a not so nice two bedroom flat in a not so great part of London(possibly further out of central London) but get the opportunity to see our duaghter first moments!!

Decisions....decisions...decisions...

[redcrx]

babys first moments are great nat but they are great even if you see them second and nana sees them first. even their 4th or 5th attempt at walking or smiling still bring tears to your eyes.

dont stretch yourself too far though

[ganesh]

Children are important to me too (4getmenot) but I would never have a child if I couldn't afford TIME for them.
Not criticising those who have to work, I was very lucky not to have to,but I can't understand career types who have kids then leave them to someone else all day .

[4getmenot]

Can I ask why you singled me out there and felt the need to put my name ganesh? I was simply answering the question from my point of view.

[crete]

children are a lifetime commitment, the answer , one parent to work part time, be prepared to make some changes if you have a child, if you still want your life to be unchanged re income , you are not ready to have children, they are not an accessory to your life and much more expensive than a new car or a holiday abroad.

[MiniN]

ganesh, some people aren't as lucky as you. some people need to work full time to support their family. men have been doing it for centuries. so i don't think you can criticise people who choose to have children and a career.

[4getmenot]

I would take time out for my children but I was saying that at the moment I would have to work so they could just have the essentials. as MiniN says some people have no choice.

[redcrx]

ganesh, i dont have to work but i dont see why i not giving up work means Im any less of a mother than any other who gives up work as she can afford it.
i think 4getmenot has thought correctly about this. She could quite have easily left school at 16, had a kid and never had a job in her life but taken every benefit going to support her

[Octavius]

It depends what stage of your life you are at. In your younger years career and social is more important with a tendency to settle and raise a family in your later years.

[ganesh]

You obviously didn't read my post. That's exactly what I said,some people aren't as lucky as me and I wouldn't dream of criticising those who have to work!!!!!! and
4getmenot I was just 'quoting' you but changing it to emphasize the 'time' point. (no offence intended)
I also think crete made a good point!

[unruliejulie]

There's a difference between NEEDING to work to pay the bills etc etc and wanting more money for a nicer lifestyle, holidays, big house, anything the kids want, nice car, clothes, that sort of thing. That is a choice! No amount of playstations or the latest gadgets can replace a parent being there for their kids.

My boss and her husband are lifestyle driven , like to keep up with the Jonses,and they over compensate with gifts for the kids. I find it all quite sad. I bet they would rather have an afternoon with Mum and Dad and more cuddles than any amount of rubbish they buy them to ease their conscience!

[4getmenot]

ok ganesh thanks for clearing that up. :-)