Chances are if you are female anywhere between 18-22, you get asked constantly when you are going to have kids and how many you want and so on and so forth. AND THEN the next dreaded question usually follows: So what are your plans after school (whether it's high school or college)? These questions together are a terrible and scary concoction. I hope I don't have to deal with this again for the next couple years because there is so many things wrong with this line of questioning.
I would like to start by saying first and foremost: IT IS OKAY TO WANT KIDS AND A CAREER. It is okay for you to take some time of your life to take care of yourself, your future life, and well being. Do not let any one tell you that you can't have both. I mean of course you do have to draw the line when it comes to spending too much time on work and not enough time on your kids (that is a completely different argument that I will not be getting into at this time). But making sure you have a career that you know will supply happiness, and financial stability for the rest of your life is absolutely needed, especially in this day in age.
This is not a time where women NEED to be only stay at home moms (this isn't a diss to stay at home moms, go you guys!). Granted, they can be if they are financially stable and just all around have the capability of doing so, but by no means should we limit or shame the moms that want both.
You can want AND have both. You can go to school and get your Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, MD, or whatever you choose AND still be a really kick ass mom. It is what you do after you obtain both that matters. You can be a shitty mom and stay at home, or you can be a shitty mom and have your PhD. What matters is what happens after you figure out your life and after you have your kiddos.
I, personally, am someone who will one day have a PhD AND will also be a great mother of adorable kids and I will do whatever they need me to do. It is absolutely possible to find a healthy balance for both and do not let anyone tell you differently.
