[jshq111]

I hit a similar psychological patch a bit later than your friend (low. 30s). I would never tell someone to have kids if it's not what they want in life just as a punt to see if it fills a void. I will say that after having kids I found a level of meaning in life I never expected (I was never anti-kid but being a dad wasn't something I dreamt about either and I had the standard fears/reservations). It's not 100% but I have vastly less angst now that I'm not fulfilling some grand cosmic mission with my life. I've found happiness a different way.