How To Navigate The Biological Clock While Building A Big Life

When it comes to being an ambitious and professional woman, building a big life is possible, but it also comes with sacrifices. Working towards your professional goals will require missing a few birthdays and some holidays. However, having it all—a thriving career you can be proud of, getting married, and having children can all be a part of the big picture, with balance.

Oftentimes, it takes a while to reach career goals, whether you’re an entrepreneur or seeking to become a partner at a law firm. The years of the 30s can creep up quite fast, which can present added pressures to have babies without high risk. Yet again, it is all possible.

Take some time and write out what getting pregnant looks like for you in one to two years. Having it in black and white may spark a fire to prioritize more family time and the urge to expand your family. Remember, this plan is for you, not from the outside world telling you that you have so many years until you’re premenopausal.

Talking to your primary care doctor and OB-GYN can also provide you with a great source of information. Knowing what to expect, what works for you, and how you will have to alter your lifestyle will be proactive and beneficial methods when you decide to start your journey of motherhood.

This is a popular option that can “buy you some time” to decide when you’re ready to begin your pregnancy journey. This process can take away the anxiety and stress from reproducing while still sustaining your career and building the life you’ve always wanted.

According to Dr. Saira Jhutty, PhD, of Cofertility, Egg freezing can be emotionally complex. For some women, it brings a sense of relief by creating more perceived time and flexibility. For others, it introduces new layers of decision fatigue, financial stress, or emotional ambiguity. Both responses are valid, and neither says anything definitive about what you want or don’t want long-term.

For a busy professional woman, a surrogate can be a godsend. This isn’t taking the easy road out; it’s making your process align with your lifestyle. Life and work can be stressful, which isn’t good for pregnancy, so hiring someone who’s qualified to help bring a healthy baby along with your help and guidance, and reduce anxiety and demands that age presents.

According to Fertility Preservation, here are the essential areas to consider when choosing a Surrogate:

• Age
• Lifestyle
• Location
• Personality
• Health history
• Willingness to carry multiples
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Previous experience with surrogacy
• Openness to high or low levels of contact
• Willingness to continue the relationship after delivering the child (if parents desire)

Everyone doesn’t have to have children. If you are comfortable having a successful career or business and the freedom that comes with not having kids, don’t let society, family, or friends pressure you into something you don’t desire. The reality is, you’ll be up all night with a newborn while they’re sound asleep.

Walden University found that for many adults, a key benefit of not having kids is being able to invest more time and effort into their careers. In a Pew Research Center finding, 44% of child-free adults under 50 said their career success was easier to achieve without the responsibilities of parenting. Adults without children may have more flexibility to travel, work overtime, relocate for a current or new position, or assume additional short- or long-term responsibilities.