We consider desires for flexibility in weekly hours by analyzing changes in work hours
preferences using four years of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in
Australia (HILDA) Survey. We control for work hours preferences in previous years and test
for effects on desired labor force participation and, for those wishing to participate, on current
hours preferences. Our findings reveal that, in general, women are more sensitive to life
events than men. Women’s preferred hours and labor force participation decline sharply with
pregnancy and the arrival of children; their preferred hours approach usual levels as children
enter school and ultimately decline as they become empty-nesters. We also find women’s
preferred hours increasing following separation but falling after divorce, with an opposing
pattern for men. Finally, a sizeable minority of retirees have preferences for phased instead
of full retirement.