So far economic analysis of unemployment has neglected social norms to a large extent. Here the empirical relevance of the social norm to live off one's own income is studied with regard to unemployed people's behaviour and subjective well-being. The strength of the social work norm is measured in terms of a national referendum on the reduction of unemployment benefits in Switzerland. The results indicate that a stronger social norm to work significantly increases the willingness to accept a new job whereas it decreases job searchers' satisfaction with life.