Does work make mothers happy?

The paper explores the link between employment and subjective well-being among mothers with small children. Using a pooled sample of the ESS 2004–2014 data from 30 European countries. Analyzing multiple measures of subjective well-being, the paper shows that homemakers are happier than full-time workers. There were no significant differences between homemakers and part-time workers. The variation across countries was not linked to the provision of formal childcare, of parental leave, or tax system.