Readiness for a baby? How do I know?

I am so confused...

When is a good time for a baby? How did you manage all the changes after having a new born? Did your job change? Are all the horror stories of poo explosions, bleeding nipples, sleepless nights and torn v-jay jays true? All this scares me so much.

I am 30, happily married, (10 years) great job etc. but we don't own a house, we rent a room in a family home. My parents live with my grandmother. Baby would have to live in the family home too.

Should I wait until I buy a house first? I am so scared and unsure when the best time to have a baby is and why.

I know my life will change so much afterwards, the change is what I am afraid of, as my life is so so good right now. I have financial freedom, I have time, and that will be gone once we have a new baby. I don't mean to sound selfish, but the big changes are scary. And I don't know how you guys do it!

If I wait too long, my chance may be gone (damn body clock!) I don't have that real desperate feeling to have a baby, but it is on my mind. My husband wants a baby, and we have tried a few times already. But should I have a real desperate urge to have one? I really do like kids.

What is life like after having a new born baby? How did you manage the change? Did you miss free time/ having extra cash in the bank? Did you feel tired all the time? (I've heard too many horror stories I think). How many months/ years did you spend just looking after baby and not working?

I think I just need some advice about how you dealt with change, and perhaps how I could do it, too. I admire mums more than you can imagine, I honestly have no idea how you guys manage to do it all!

I hope I didn't come off as a bad person with my questions, sorry if I did :(