I also don't have any kids...BUT I have thought about the whole career first, go live life, etc. thing. I would still rather have kids sooner rather than later. The younger you have kids (in the 20's, not as a teen) the better your body will recover and there is less chance of having a miscarriage or nonstandard kid.    I think you can have a kid while renting, while working entry level jobs, etc. I think during the kids' school years is a better time to get your career going if that's what you want: you will be more experienced, you probably aren't going to have any more kids, and you're not worried about daycare. Most of the people I know with several kids aren't the ones with 17 room houses, affording designer baby clothes, and who can spend $2000 remodeling a nursery.