[throwaway_java]

33 y.o. Dad of 3, and a far better engineer since having kids. Since becoming a Dad, I learnt the value of time, I learnt how to get stuff finished when I have a chance to, I learnt empathy and tolerance, I learnt to look at the big picture. I forgot about many of the frustrations and angst that I felt before I had kids. I simply don't have time to worry about my own feelings much, but at the same time I learnt to look after myself much more efficiently, because I have to, because 3 kids and a wife depend on me. I've never been happier at work, because I have a family.

Definitely start a family, but also think about keeping your career too in what ever form suits you.

[analog31]

Since having kids, I've become better at dealing with managers. ;-)

[bbcbasic]

Being a parent is full time management training.

[elijahparker]

Exactly -- you grow in many ways. I'm a father of two with one more on the way and I've often wondered what I might have achieved if I had the efficiency and discipline I do now before kids when I had more time... Yet somehow I'm now achieving more with less time.

[colincarter41]

It really a things that all engineers worried. Sometimes, it is like you don’t have time for your family. The work is never going finished. You tried hard to give some time for your family but you can’t. This frustration and anger makes you uncomfortable. But you can’t even share your feeling with your family. You don’t want them to worry.

It is a life of every engineer. But it is always good to choose the options that better suits you.