I feel like for the broad median of us, there’s a balance between giving a shit and healthy detachment. Unless you’re at the top, I don’t think working 90 hours a week in with tunnel vision will make you happy, you’ll probably end up burned out and possibly cast aside in a reorg.

On the flip side, I cringe at the posts that go too far in the other direction emphasizing it’s just a job and the job doesn’t love you.

It’s true, on its surface it’s good to have healthy detachment, but it’s also good to take risks, make yourself vulnerable and give a shit. Yes, know that it’s a transactional relationship but then give a shit within that framework. Give it your all, make friends with your coworker, be moderately devoted to the company in the moment, while respecting your own definition of work-life balance and being ready to say goodbye when it’s over.