> Once you have work deeply embedded in your interests and social life, it does not take a huge mental leap to "work is what defines me as an individual". No,

> Once you have work deeply embedded in your interests and social life, it does not take a huge mental leap to "work is what defines me as an individual". No, you are confusing cause and effect around emotional attachment and passion/effort. People are equally likely to attach their sense of self-worth to aspects that require zero effort: nationality, favorite sport team, family name... Putting a lot of effort into something is not the cause for attachment, but sometimes it can be the effect.