After Losing Job, Lawyer Keeps Commuting—to Starbucks
After a job loss, some might be tempted to spend days at home in sweatpants feeling sorry for themselves. But one lawyer who kept up appearances is likely faring better psychologically.
Robert Chope, president of the employment division of the American Counseling Association, told the New York Times he’s counseling the lawyer to keep up a daily commuting routine.
“I have a new client, a laid-off lawyer, who’s commuting in every day—to his Starbucks,” Chope told the Times. “He gets dressed up, meets with colleagues, networks; he calls it his Western White House. I have encouraged him to keep his routine.”
Psychologists told the Times that the lawyer was exhibiting pride, an important attribute in difficult times. Those who project pride also project likability, according to a study involving people who were praised for their results on a spatial IQ test. Those in the praised group reported feeling pride, and those who observed them in a puzzle solving exercise said the praised people seemed more dominant and likable.
Another study found that those who were induced to feel pride when solving spatial puzzles also tried harder during the next test.
The Times story summarizes the psychological findings this way: “However much pride may go before a fall, it may be far more useful after one.”
