There is something so freeing about not caring about what piss of management. The day I realize that being efficient and managing to meet crazy deadlines was not benefiting me in any way was like a gasp of air after drowning in the mindset that working hard will get you recognized. Instead, when I started to say no and not caring, I got a raise? Of course, ymmv.
I still watch Machinima and the great kodo song and cinematics with nostalgia. My alarms are wow soundtracks and I alternate my messages between between portal and the horde captured the flag sounds. Great times indeed.