Preference for job diversity, mixed part-time jobs and voluntary unemployment

Abstract

This article introduces job diversity preference into Hoteling's location model to explain individuals' displeasure with work. The mixed part-time jobs (MPJ) can be regarded as more diversified products firms can offer at a higher cost. Individuals pay the product (jobs) with their productivity. We intend to explain: (a) Why some individuals prefer not to work in only single full-time jobs (SFJ) cases; (b) Why allowing free MPJ can be a good idea; (c) How MPJ wage floor and ceilings can block or hinder the effect of the MPJ market. (d) What the government can do to improve employment and social welfare. Bringing Hoteling's model into the labour market to demonstrate individuals' preferences on job diversity is the major innovation of this article.