Thank you everyone for your advice.

I've thought about waiting several more years, but am worried that our kids will be too old to move, if we need to. We're planning on moving in the next few years anyway (wife's choice), so would rather do it when they are still young and I can finish my PhD remotely. I don't have the option of doing it part-time, and would rather finish it earlier. Also, I was offered a position with a supervisor who's very well known in his field, and would not want to pass this opportunity up.

At the end of the day, if it affects our growing family I would rather not do it. You have given me much to think about.

While the money is a practical concern, I have thought about all the issues each of the replies brought up. It does give me some comfort to know that they are valid concerns :-) I would hate for my wife to feel like her feelings are unmet, and will most certainly want to spend as much time with our kids as possible. I have read here that having kids really clarifies what your priorities are. I would I hope I don't loose site of what's important, my family.

The way I see it is that I'd rather tough it out for 4-5 years (wishful thinking perhaps) instead of dragging the degree out for 10 years or more. Although I know many people who are brilliant researches and took longer for various reasons, I would rather not.

I know I sound like I'm going back and forth, so pardon the flip-flopping. I have 2 conflicting dreams, PhD and a happy family. Timing is everything, I guess. I take comfort in hearing about people who do go back to school, like Snowdropbooks, and although I don't know if I would/could, it's good to know it is possible.

How about doing industry research without a PhD? I get the feeling it's possible but much more difficult, and there is a limit to what you can do.

Hello Everyone,

First post here... I've looked at other posts, and most apply to women considering having kids, but for me it's my wife (so I hope I'm not duplicating an existing post).

I'm planning on starting a Eng PhD next year, but my wife and I are planning to have a baby soon. I think she can wait until I have finished my first year of classes, but after that I will have to work (about 20hrs/week), in addition to my studies. My wife will probably take the first year off to look after the baby, and go back to work after that.

I'm 34, and have a fair amount of industry experience. I've recently completed a master's. I'm taking time off to debate this decision, and find a research topic (if I decide to do it).

Are there any other avenues for funding? My program provides some funding, and RA/TAs. I've been told that if I find my own additional grants, they will just replace that portion of what the program gives, so there's no point in that.

I have done programming as a contractor, but there's a lot of uncertainty in that. And if I'm only working 20 hrs/week, there isn't much room for savings for those times I can't find a contract. I've also taught a few classes over the years, and could probably make $6k a year.

Any advice/experience on this would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks