Hi everyone,

I am seriously contemplating doing a PhD next year for several reasons. This is something I really want to do at some point in my life. BUT... I also REALLY want to be a Mum and am nearly 32. I will be 33 by the time I start my PhD and am hesitant to leave motherhood until after the age of 36 (and that's if I manage to complete it in three years!)

Has anyone started a family during their PhD or has a young family?

To make matters worse my partner is studying Medicine and won't be finished for another four years so I cannot rely on him being the main caregiver (we will have to juggle this between us).

Thanks.

Hi
hope any of these help!


http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=10660

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=11336

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=12092

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=11867

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=4485

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=4911

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=2421

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=503

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=2038

Yes! Four of my friends also doing PhDs have done this, all at different stages of the PhD - one has even had a second baby recently! I'm sure it is tough to juggle everything but by no means impossible :-)

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Hi Stargazer,

I know a former PhD student at my university who is now a Dr., but throughout all his 5-6 PhD years he's been married and had little kids. His wife was also a PhD student in another field and they both became Dr's in the same year.

2 other female professors I know have had their babies in their late 30's-40's.

Good luck in whatever you decide! :-)

Thanks for your replies everyone, they are very reassuring. :-)