Job Satisfaction and Women's Timing of Return to Work after Childbirth in the UK

Abstract

This article examines to what extent multiple facets of pre-childbirth job satisfaction affect women's labor market outcomes after first childbirth in the UK. Using the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) we find that higher levels of overall job satisfaction increase the probability of returning to work sooner, and to the same job, during the sample period. Satisfaction with job security, work hours and the work content - but not with pay – are important determinants of mothers’ employment choices. We discuss the role of job satisfaction on women's ability to combine work and family responsibilities, and related aspects of job quality.