I see there's been some very interesting discussion while I wasn't here. I need to say that I agree partly with everyone. I definitely agree that a lot is down to our own abilities, experience, time spent on the job and I believe majority of our career will be down only to our actions - as they say: As you make your bed so you must lie in it. BUT... while I know that much will be down to us I still believe that the conditions around us are not equally supportive and because of the traditional family models and widely present expectations and pressures put on women, we are (in my opinion) put at a disadvantaged position from the very beginning. That's why I want to plan everything in advance, identify pros and cons, and think about 'the best' time to have a baby. I simply want to enjoy my private life but in the same time put myself in the best possible position to kick off my career and be no worse than all those males around ;-)

Thanks AnnJolie, I guess that's what I wanted to hear. I know it's not going to be easy but I assume it won't be any easier in two years time when I (hopefully!) work at the university trying to show them what a great academic I am:)
I am seriously starting to think that it will be better to plan a baby right now - before I am done with my degree. I'm quite excited to be honest! x

This topic has been active quite a while ago but there's still something that doesn't really give me peace of mind and I thought I might share it with you and ask for opinions.

As I said, I'd like to have a kid but I can also wait, I still have time as I'm 'only' turning 25 soon. I am just wondering what is perhaps the most convenient time (I know there is no best time!) for a baby in order not to loose too many opportunities in terms of career in academia (social sciences to be precise). I was thinking to have a kid shortly before my scholarship runs out which would give me additional 6 months of extended and fully paid scholarship. Sometimes people do take more than 3 years to finish their PhDs which would mean I am not that far behind others (my progress is very good so far). Of course as you see I am optimistic but that's just me - always see the bright side:) I could finish my PhD a semester or two later and start a job straight afterwards (hopefully!). On the other hand, I could wait until I finish my PhD, get a job, and after a first 6 months of being in a job get pregnant. I am just wondering which option seems 'best' in terms of developing a career. I may be wrong but I have an impression that the first option will work better, but then... I am afraid ... I've always dreamt of working as an academic and don't want too have a baby too early if it's gonna lower my prospects - I can wait a year or two. But will the university be happier if I wait? Or will it work better if I try to do it now? Recently these thoughts are on my mind all the time!

Bella I absolutely agree with you - timefortea your time management sounds amazing;-)

Thanks for all the replies, it's nice to hear that there are people in a similar situation to mine and those who have already been through that! I guess it will never be an easy decision but I just feel that when I finish my PhD I will be looking for other jobs, once I have a job I will try to settle in, show them how good I am, etc etc and will end up not having children at all - there's never a good time haha;-) Just as fbbp has said!

Nesrine I'm also thinking about final stages... Seems easiest to organize for me. But... how can I know 9 months in advance that I will finish writing up in these 9 months and it will not take me more than 3 years to complete my PhD!? Decisions, decisions;-)

Hi there

Recently I have been thinking about having a baby quite a lot but since I have no idea how it works in academia I thought I might ask for some advice. Basically - I'm happily married, I'm (some may say - only) 25 years old but I've been with my hubby for a long time and we feel we're ready. Of course I can wait until I finish my PhD (I am on my second year now) but the thing is that I'm looking for the best and 'most convenient' time to get pregnant. Since I'm working in social sciences I spend majority of time at home, I don't need to work in the labs or anything like that. I have already started my data collection so I should be done with it within the next 6 months or so as well. I definitely want to have a baby before I'm 29 so I was wondering if it's a better idea to have a baby on the last year of my PhD (I am funded and can apply for up to 6 months of paid maternity leave - however, I am considering taking less time out - since I can work at home and have flexibility to balance my working hours). Another option is to secure a full-time position at the university after having my PhD and then to get pregnant. To be honest I feel like I won't feel I'm doing the right thing when applying for a job and knowing that I want to take time off anytime soon - I want to be fair to uni. I also have an impression that it may actually be easier for me to have a kid while having a PhD which is more flexible and where I have more control over my own time. It also seems to me that taking care of a newborn will get more difficult/complicated while working full-time at uni. Will anyone share their opinions? :)