I have been here almost three years and read the book.
It is hard to explain, but it is almost like two separate companies. The front line employees in ground ops, flight ops, and the ramp are, for the most part, hard working and take care of each other. Due to protracted labor negotiations and some bad faith from Dallas, many of these employees feel disenfranchised from the rest of the company.
The corporate offices are very rah rah spirit party, luv and hugs, manufactured culture. It is very strange.
I tend to focus on how I can make a small impact to better the lives of my coworkers and customers, and I generally enjoy work and leave with a smile on my face.
Every now and again you get a crew that just clicks and you can have a fabulous time on an overnight. I generally go to the bar when I get in on a PM trip and enjoy a couple of cold beverages and relax with the crew members who choose to go down there.
So...long story I know but I think the Nuts days are, for the most part, gone. That isn't to say work can't be fun. It is. A large part of that depends on you, though.
Be yourself at a SWA interview. More than anything that is what they want. It's ok to make a joke or two, but in the end they are hiring a professional pilot, not a comedian.