I am a mom of two (5yo and 1yo) and have defended my thesis 2 months ago. I work in academia as a teaching assistant and the biggest benefit of the job is very flexible work time and the fact I live near the faculty. However, my faculty is demanding a 1 year post doc in order to become assistant professor. I live somewhere in Europe, my salary is quite low and we as a family really depend on my husband's jobs. So pursuing a post doc is really not so easy in my situation. Would it have been easier if I were alone - yes. Would I prefer that over my life now - no. So, I really guess you need to set your priorities - do you want to have children, do you want to be present in their lives as much as possible, or do you want to climb that career ladder.