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CAREERS: WHY WE PUT OUR JOBS BEFORE BABIES

Leena Martins, 33, Team Manager

Why haven’t you started a family yet?

I decided that I want to enjoy my life, and carry on socialising. I’m really happy with the way things are and saw friends who missed out on the social aspect – I knew I didn’t want that.

Have you always been career minded?

Not particularly. After university, I started working in a call centre and gradually worked my way up. The money I now earn is a major factor – I’m not sure my lifestyle could cope without it!

Any regrets?

Sometimes when I see my sister, I think, ‘if I had my children earlier, then I could have enjoyed my life at 40’, but then my sister thinks she missed out on a lot of fun.

How does your partner feel about waiting?

My husband is happy for us to wait, as he understands that it’s a bigger life change for me than it will be for him. The other factor is we’re both complete party animals!

Is the judgement of the community difficult to handle?

It hasn’t been hard because I laugh it off – however, it does get annoying at weddings when you have to try and fob off the aunties. Personally, I put all the scientific factors out the window; if it is meant to be, it will be.

How big a shock to the system will it be when your group do start having babies?

The dynamics will bring us closer together as we all go through similar things, but it will not change us; we’ll still make time for each other. That’s what husbands are there for – to babysit!

The best thing about not having kids?

I have the freedom to get up and go anywhere without getting stressed out. I don’t get tired of socialising and I don’t have to worry about a little person when going to a restaurant or visiting people. At this point in my life, I just can’t picture myself sitting at home with a baby.

Do you ever get broody?

I’m very good with children; But I do look at kids and think they’re cute, but nothing more than that at the moment. I am a newlywed, so I’m still on my honeymoon period. I do want to have kids eventually, just not now.

Advice to women in a similar situation?

Follow your heart, don’t be pressurised and enjoy your time, as you’ll never get this time back.

• Find out the reasons of the four other women, only in Asiana 23. Out now