Your situation is different and there are just so many variables on how the relationship could go down.Tenacity said:To a guy with a demanding Career, then does it make sense to make kids if the time is so great? I think that should be done if you want to be a good Father,I can tell you my Father didn't spend time with me at all. He paid his child support to avoid going to jail.
I will say this, it was a lot easier to take care of his needs in a relationship than as a single father.
From their age 1-5 you can power on in your career and be back for bonding time such as feeding, bath time, stories.
5-12 and they need to learn from example and time with their father. Decision making and leadership skills can be fostered through sports(They gain confidence from being in sports they are good at. He did 3, one he sucked at with no progression, two he excelled at and one that gave him unshakable confidence), outdoor activities, learning how to do things through watching you, etc. This period ate a lot of time it was a juggling act to say the least.
At 13 and above they need to start applying what they learn and making their own mistakes without you burying them for it. After it happens, review then give alternative options, or how to handle it from there. I regularly train fitness with him so I can chat about whats going on in his life. Its easier to fit things in around this.
Man they grow up quick though. For me and my experience work became a whole lot less important when it came to being a father. Don't get me wrong I'm still hungry for making the dollar. But your priorities change.
For you I would just say have a view to the long game. Planning is not essential to starting a family but it makes things a thousand times easier. Know where you are at financial and on the career ladder. Understand your age becomes a factor in how much you can participate (doubt I could handle a baby now). Structure your affairs or at least know what to do if things go bad.
So 5 years moderately involved.
7 years heavily involved.
The rest of your life being involved.
Is what you would roughly look at.
Im not fcuking dad of the year or anything either. The above was just the option that suited my situation.