Preliminary findings of the project points to different flexible working arrangements by men and women, as a result of being eligible to apply under the 2003 UK Flexible Working Act. While both are more likely to work from home, the women also reduce their working hours. Eligibility to flexible work also improves mental health, not to mention a spillover effect from the men to their wives by improving her job satisfaction. The results support evidence of household interactions and bargaining, and the joint interactions and determination of work and family life domains in determining the overall mental health.
The Marie Curie fellowship provided me with the opportunity to enlarge my research setting and consolidate my career through the following:
a. Expand my theoretical and empirical microeconometric skill sets by reinforcing existing and learning new skills. Through training courses at recognized state-of-the-art facilities, I was able to strengthen my skills in household and labour economics, as well as policy evaluation methods and microeconometric analyses.
b. Develop an independent research focus. With minimal supervision and a relatively unguided experience, I explored my own research questions and further honed in my already-independent academic trajectory. This renowned mobility fellowship strengthened my professional and personal qualities in terms of self-initiatives, individual creative thinking, self-motivation, and self-discipline, which are essential traits for a successful research career. The mobility program allowed me to tap into my extensive international network for external stimuli, which developed my communicative and critical skills through active engagement and meetings.
I also served as reviewer for several academic journals, which supported by research path. Additionally, I prepared project proposals on related research foci, which provide a pipeline for my future research path.
c. Network with different European countries. I was able to enrich interactions and collaborations not only among partner institutions, but also beyond, which broadened my research spectrum for future projects. The mobility of the fellowship immersed the research within an international environment that has provided valuable learning opportunities through hosting activities and memberships in organizations.
d. Provide professional and career development training.
I have participated in several trainings, not only to strengthen my technical skills, but also to enhance my personal growth. I have secured an assistant professor position at the Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
e. Impact of European knowledge based economy/society. The research on flexible working arrangement for work and family life balance is highly policy relevant for all European countries, not to mention interest parties such as non-government agencies.
I have been actively and consistently communicating and participating in international conferences, seminars, and workshops, and have continued to do so with the Fellowship. My participation in activities even after the fellowship has given me the opportunity to talk about flexible work and mental health with professionals from non-government agencies, and serve as expert discussant. It also opened opportunities for new collaborations with colleagues.
