Career or Family?

Question

I am a junior in college and want to settle down with my gf and have kids after I graduate. However, I have often thought about getting my doctorate in creative writing and feel that I could be successful if I tried. I feel no matter which direction I decide to go I will regret it. If I have kids right away I'm always going to wonder if that didn't hold me back from getting my doctorate and being content in my career. If I get the doctorate i'm always going to regret not pursuing my writing career. I feel either way i'll have to face possible regret. Which do you find more important? Career or Family?

Answer 1

I AM SHOCKED AT HOW MANY PEOPLE ANSWERED CAREER! Imagine this...

You're a junior in college and you are diagnosed with Leukemia which will lead to chemotherapy and, in turn, a sterile wang. No kids for you, but you still get the career after treatment. Congratulations, you just stepped into my shoes. Fortunately, I beat the odds and have 2 little rugrats running around my house. AND THAT, MY FRIEND, is why I can honestly tell you, FAMILY IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT!

A few things to consider...there is NO guarantee that you get to have a family later on, for any number of medical or personal reasons. Second, there are many people who get tied up in their careers and push the family back a few years, and then a few more years, and then a few more years. Third, would you rather be playing with your toddlers when you are 26 or 46? Fourth, the generational gap between 40-something parents and there newborn children is not a big deal, but when you are 60-ish and your child is in high school, look out.

Ultimately, you can do both! It isn't easy, but IT IS DONE ALL OF THE TIME! Which would you rather here..."Great job with that creative writing!" or "I love you daddy!" Just one time hearing the word "daddy" out of a toddlers mouth and you will never look back.

Answer 2

Since you are not married yet, you should continue in getting your doctorate in creative writing. If this is the woman that you want to marry and if she feels the same, then hopefully she will understand your goals. Don't get married or have kids right away if you are not ready to do that. You must make sure that you have a good paying job and are able to support your wife and kids, when you are ready.

Don't rush things. It would be different if the career that you are choosing takes a lot of your time away from your family, when you are married with kids that is, and you are not spending time with them, but spending more time with your career....now that would be a different story. Keep in mind, that you will need a good job to support them too. So without income, you cannot support them.

Just make sure you have a good supportive wife.

Answer 3

Both, in fact my husband and I married right out of high school, went on to college and in our 3rd year decided we wanted to start our family. While it was hard, it was possible to have both(family and career) and still is. Ten years later, my family became more "important" to me. But I still love my work, so I volunteer often and do some part time work at home. My point is, if you desire both, then you can make both work. Just because you decide to follow with your education and career now, doesn't mean you can not settle down and start a family later in life. Good luck in your life= )

Answer 4

Career or family both are important. But without making ur career u cant fullfill ur family's expectations. For a strong and happy family u need a to make your carrer strong. Because u r a social person and u have to live in this word.

Answer 5

You should be able to do both just wait a few years after you get married before having kids I mean that is a big step you need to make sure you can handle eachother before bringing a baby into the world.

Answer 6

Family is way more important. But in your case, you are still young, you're not married, so there really is no reason why you shouldn't get your doctorate. You have plenty of time to have children in the future.

Answer 7

career is more important than family comes next

Answer 8

Career is more important

Answer 9

in life , god, family, and yourself are important, work can come and go.be true to your feelings any situation can be overcome, but if you arent happy, what is it worth?with a little patience and work you can have both, just remember the important things

Answer 10

CAREER!and then later on family.