That's exactly the conundrum, and why birth rates are so low. In the past, people were happy to (or did it because of social expectations or lack of contracept

That's exactly the conundrum, and why birth rates are so low. In the past, people were happy to (or did it because of social expectations or lack of contraceptives) "manage to raise kids". Nowadays, people expect and even demand a "very comfortable life". The two aren't really compatible for most people except very high earners.