Times they are a changing.
Sparklesandsweat -provided you are not a journalist….when reading some of the posts here you have to remember that the world of ATC has changed massively in the last few years.Some of the comments though well meaning, have as much relevance to the job today as one of Nelson's Midshipmen has to a Sonar Operator on a Nuclear Sub.
I left 2 years ago and things have changed big time even since then.What is true is that all ATCOs are hugely self-motivated and therefore enjoy doing the job.
When you first start out you only have yourself to worry about.The shift work is not too disruptive and time off and pay seems more than adequate compared to your non-aviation friends.Roll forward as you predict, to having a family and things change.All units vary&it's the luck of the draw where you end up and the ability to get time off when you want or need it.
The reality of the job today is that you will have to consider how you feel about going years without Christmas or New Year off.Accept you will miss some of your children's birthday parties and many other family occasions.Your social life outside of work will be different because you will be working on Saturday night or early Sunday morning when others are having parties.The shift work will eventually take its toll on your health. You have to weigh all these things up against the pay and conditions.
On the plus side you'll get to go shopping with pensioners when everyone else is at work.(Things are less crowded).
The job is unique and interesting.Despite what management want, it is still one that requires a well trained intelligent professional to do it and you'll be working in a high tech occasionally exciting and high pressure environment.Not many people can do the job of an ATCO.
Bear in mind if you start now by the time you finish training you may soon be working on your own in a remote tower facility or in a near silent ops room/tower because the area microphones prevent banter and chat!
Best of luck if you choose to apply.