Wealth accumulation, on-the-job search and inequality

We study a directed search equilibrium with risk-averse workers who can search on the job and accumulate non-contingent assets under a borrowing limit. Search outcomes affect earnings and wealth accumulation. In turn, wealth and earnings affect search decisions by changing the optimal trade-off between the wage and the matching probability. The interaction between search and wealth provides important self-insurance. The calibrated model yields significant wage inequality as measured by the mean-min ratio in wages. We analyze the dynamic welfare effects of changes in unemployment insurance and find a relatively limited role for unemployment insurance as self-insurance significantly reduces consumption risk.