If you're a woman in your thirties, whether you're single or in a relationship, you're likely no stranger to the persistent question of 'when are you going to have a baby' when visiting family during Chinese New Year. It's a decision that many career women face, as they navigate the challenges of balancing their professional aspirations with the desire to start a family."

As a woman, I know firsthand the difficult choices that we often have to make when it comes to balancing our career aspirations with our desire to start a family. It's a dilemma that I faced in my own life, and one that I know many of you are struggling with as well.

Until recently, women who chose to remain childless were viewed as selfish, immature, and incomplete. Despite some lingering social stigmas and in some countries in Asia, direct government pressure to have children, more and more women are choosing to postpone having children until their mid to late 30s, and many are making the decision not to have children at any age. This decision should be respected and acknowledged as a personal one, and not be judged by society or influenced by external pressures.

It's important to remember that every woman's journey is unique and that the choice of whether or not to have children is a personal one. It's essential to be kind to ourselves and others, and to recognize that both choices are valid and should be respected.

On one hand, we have the pull of our ambition and desire to succeed in our careers. We've worked hard to get to where we are, and the thought of putting our goals and aspirations on hold for even the cutest baby can be daunting. We've invested so much of ourselves into our careers, and the idea of starting over in a new role or industry can be overwhelming.

On the other hand, we have the longing to start a family and experience the joys of motherhood. We see our friends and family members starting families, and we can't help but feel a sense of longing and yearning for that experience ourselves. The thought of not having the chance to raise a child and be a mother is let's face it heartbreaking.

So, what are we to do? Should we prioritize our careers and put off starting a family, or should we put our careers on hold and focus on starting a family?

The truth is, there is no easy answer. Every woman's situation is different, and there are pros and cons to both options. But, I believe that the key is to make the decision that is best for you and your unique circumstances.

One thing I want to stress is that, as women, we should not feel guilty for wanting to pursue our careers. We have worked hard to get where we are, and we deserve the opportunity to continue to grow and succeed in our professional lives. And, at the same time, we should not feel guilty for wanting to start a family. We are capable of balancing both our careers and our families, and we should not have to choose one over the other.

One thing that helped me was to think about my long-term goals. I realized that starting a family was something that I wanted to experience in my life, but it didn't mean that I had to give up my career aspirations. I found ways to make both work, by prioritizing and being strategic about my time and my career choices. I was able to find a balance that worked for me and my family.

Another important aspect to consider is the support system around you. It's essential to have a partner or a support system that is willing and able to support you in your decision, whether it's pursuing your career or starting a family. Having a supportive network can make all the difference in making your decision and making it work.

Additionally, it's essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and there is no right or wrong answer. Let me repeat, every woman's journey is unique, and there is no shame in making the decision that is best for you and your circumstances. It's important to be open and honest with yourself and your partner about what you want and what you're willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

So, what's the bottom line here, ladies? The decision of whether to have a baby or pursue your career is not an easy one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It's important to remember that every woman's journey is unique, and we should not feel guilty for wanting to pursue our careers or start a family. We have the ability to balance both and make it work, with the right support and strategic planning. And, most importantly, trust yourself and the choices that you make. Your happiness and well-being should always be at the forefront of your decision-making process. And remember, it's okay to change your mind, to reassess and make new choices as life changes.

At the end of the day, you got this!