I thought for most of my life I didn't want them, but decided late that we did. I used to get together with career-minded girlfriends and trade comments similar to what I have read above....world overpopulated, I don't want a kid to turn out like me, I don't want to work forever, I like my freedom, kids are annoying (ok I put that one in, but that's what I thought before having kids). Now we have two little ones, cute as buttons and not a single bit annoying! (well, most of the time, anyway
).
It was all true for us....activities we did before with our time don't concern us much now; life has more meaning; I am a better person...I feel more fulfilled and like I have more purpose; DH and I have never been closer; In retrospect, I was just going through the motions of life, now I live a much more satisfying, fuller life; I can't wait to get home and play with them every day! Definitely the right decision for us, but seemingly not meant for everyone.
I have lots in life to give me fulfillment no less. As a surgeon, I get the opportunity to literally save people's lives (with the help of my entire healthcare team of course). DH and I have travelled around the world, volunteered in third world countries, lived luxuriously when we choose, eaten well, partied hard, and laughed with friends until our bellies hurt. Still no experience in my life compares to richness, fulfillment, and satisfaction of raising our children.
Not for everyone, to be sure. The good thing is that if one is already happy with their life as it is, they will presumably continue to be happy for the same reasons for the rest of their lives. They would never know the difference with children. So it really is a win-win decision.