Guilt-tripping for pursuing a professional career and motherhood at the same time

(29, F) I’ve been married for four years. My husband went to grad school a few years ago, and now it’s my turn! I’ve just been accepted into my dream MBA program. I’m really excited, but I’m also struggling with a lot of guilt about putting my career first and postponing having kids.

Most of my friends are starting families, and even though I try not to compare, it’s hard not to feel left behind. If it were entirely up to me, I think I’d want to start having kids now, but I know that waiting until after I graduate and get settled in my career makes more sense for us. Still, I feel guilty for wanting a career that I know will be demanding, and for knowing that I won’t be able to spend as much time with my future kids as a stay-at-home mom might.

On the other hand, I also feel like building my career now will benefit my family in the long run. I don’t know many women in my circle who are making similar choices; most of my friends are stay-at-home moms, so I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this.

Has anyone else struggled with this kind of guilt or pressure? How did you handle it?