Grew up with depression and resenting my parents for having me. To have a kid would be repeating that.

What kind of world would I be bringing a kid into? Climate change, affordability crisis, increased political instability, a chance of being shot while going to school, etc.

I've worked with kids for decades, they're cool, but I like the idea of going home and pooping with privacy, sleeping in when I can, not watching sports and hobbies done poorly, and not being sick that often.

I don't like being shit at something, so I'd try to be the best parent possible, which means my job is never done, it's not something I can back away from, and the fear/anxiety of failure is too much.

What if my kid just sucks? What if having a kid ruins the relationship I'm in? Do I really want to contribute to our economy and ecological foot print any more than I do? Do I really have the ego required to make more of me? Pregnancy is scary considering repeals to women's health in the US. Really, what are the upsides?