New publication on the long-term consequences of minijobs for mothers

For many mothers in Germany, a minijob may seem like an attractive way to return to work after having a child, offering flexible hours and tax benefits. However, a recent study co-authored by Prof. Dr. Kamila Cygan Rehm shows that such employment can have negative long-term consequences, as minijobs often offer less demanding activities and few opportunities for career development, meaning that the experience gained in the minijob is less valued later on.

Specifically, the study shows that mothers who take up a minijob after the birth of a child are almost 10 percentage points less likely to be in regular employment (i.e. subject to social security contributions) ten years later than mothers who return directly to regular employment, even if only part-time. They also earn significantly less in the long term, as the so-called “child penalty” for mini-job mothers is at least 10 percentage points higher.

Source: Quelle: Collischon, M., Cygan-Rehm, K., and Riphahn, R. T. (2025). Subsidized small jobs and maternal labor market outcomes in the long run. Socio-Economic Review. DOI: 10.1093/ser/mwaf012.

A longer, non-technical summary of the study can be found in the IZA Newsroom.