Generation Free: How Eliza Snyder Enjoys the Childfree Lifestyle

When Eliza Snyder was young, she decided against having children due to concerns about population growth and the environment. This decision granted the Baby Boomer and her late husband Phil significant financial freedom and flexibility over the years. According to a report by the Pew Research Center released on July 25, only 6% of those over 50 without children cited environmental concerns as a major reason. The report is based on surveys of 2,542 childless individuals over 50 and 770 childless individuals aged 18 to 49 who do not wish to have children. Snyder lived with her husband on a small ranch in Beaverton, Oregon. Without the obligations of child-rearing, they could enjoy their time together traveling, camping, and skiing at places like Mount Hood. Even after Phil's death, Snyder has not regretted remaining childless: without familial obligations, she has financial reserves for a comfortable life into old age. It was particularly important to her not to be caught between caring for parents and the needs of her own children. With sufficient financial means, she and Phil could afford more leisure time and cultural influences, such as subscriptions to the Oregon Ballet Theater. Snyder, a native of Ohio, felt immune to social pressure from friends and family to have her own children. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she moved to Oregon and worked in various communication roles, including positions at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Portland Public Schools. Many of her friends struggle with the financial burdens of their children's education and housing. Snyder sees this as an increasing problem in an increasingly expensive economy. Despite her decision to remain childless, Snyder emphasizes her respect for parents and expresses that she highly values their commitment. "Without question, parents should invest their time and money in their children," she says. For her and Phil, the decision not to have children meant, in addition to environmental considerations, primarily more financial leeway and freedom. Today, Snyder spends her time volunteering and caring for foster dogs. She has organized her life into three phases: Learning, Earning, and Giving.