To the young guys: I'm older than most here and have nothing to gain by lying to you. Not having kids was the smartest thing I ever did. Don't listen to these duds tell you about how wonderful being a father is. They're bullshitting you. Over half of then are either divorced, separated, or on the way out the door to face years of alimony and child-support payments to the mother, who usually has all the rights. Even some of the guys right here on this thread have been divorced and lost custody since they posted how wonderful fatherhood is last year. You've got to be tough. Don't get yourself bamboozled into having children by girlfriends or wives, because it's the biggest mistake you'll probably ever make. Get your own place and learn to live independently and, if you have patience and try, you'll meet a woman that won't want them either. They are the best type because they love you for yourself, not your ability to support a brood of obnoxious sprogs.

Remember the old saying, "Misery loves company", when guys tell you how wonderful being a father is. It's total hogwash.
Don't believe it. You will be saddled with incredible responsibilities, with few rights. Basically, the modern father is just a beast of burden. If that's what you want, go ahead and have them, but don't say you weren't warned.

If the system was different, it wouldn't be as bad - but right now it sucks: BIG TIME.

I am trim and healthy, feel no more than about 30 years old, and retired at 53 years old with financial security. This is because I DID NOT HAVE KIDS!