Do you feel you improve people's life through your work?

[Anonymous]

DH is in cancer research. The benefits are not immediate of course, but he contributes to the general push for knowledge, diagnoses and cures.

I used to do to the same thing, now I stay home. I definitely improve my family's life, which for now is perfectly satisfying.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I do. I am in public health in poor countries (based in US, though) and I can measure the work we do. I see health stats improve, have the data to show at least correlation, and I feel pretty good.

[Anonymous]

I used to work directly finding missing children. While I felt my work had meaning and I improved people's lives...the emotional toll is indescribable.

Now I work with law enforcement (supporting the people who do the work that has meaning). While my work has less meaning, I sleep much better at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
DH is in cancer research. The benefits are not immediate of course, but he contributes to the general push for knowledge, diagnoses and cures.

I used to do to the same thing, now I stay home. I definitely improve my family's life, which for now is perfectly satisfying.

My mother had cancer, she is alive today because of breakthrough treatments.

Thanks to both of you.

[Anonymous]

I'm an RN...so I certainly hope I do!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to want to work in policy to " change the world." I really thought that I could make a difference. Now I am older and much more cynical. It seems that nothing gets done and politics always trumps. I am thinking about more direct ways to help people -- teacher maybe? I am looking for ideas, especially with respect to children, but would love to hear from anyone who feels this way from their job. Thanks for some inspiration!

I just want to say, when I look back on the people that made the biggest impact on my life (outside my parents) it was my 5th grade teacher. While I am not a teacher, she really inspired me. I wish I could find her and let her know, that she woke my interest in government, history and the path direction I took to government service.

[Anonymous]

Yawn. This worthless self righteousness is making me want a nap. Shame on you OP, you attention whore.

[Anonymous]

I used to work on a program that was trying to implement a step towards nuclear disarmament. That ended about 10 years ago. Since then, I have done research stuff that could have saved a lot of lives through Hazard Warnings, but that fizzled with budget cuts.

[Anonymous]

I was in media for a dozen or so years, got laid off twice, and now am going back to school. The new career will 100% be helping improve people's lives, and will be helping my family by having more stability and better hours. The media career was fun and exciting, but I'm looking forward to helping people - especially my family.

[Anonymous]

I work at the World Bank and feel that I helping a worthy cause each day.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I do. The legal work I do helps people get their jobs back, work in better environments, protect their rights. It's the only type of law I've ever practiced and ever wanted to practice. I will never be a "gun for hire." Not every single thing I do has great positive impact or immediate rewards, but overall, I strongly believe that the work I do is a public good.

[Anonymous]

I was a contractor doing renewable energy work for DOE, which I thought was important. With the sequester, it's not important enough and now I am unemployed like most of my group. I think my next job will be more about getting a regular paycheck with decent health benefits.

[Anonymous]

No, but I do keep them out of jail.

[Anonymous]

I work on environmental policy and program implementation. My work has both direct benefits to individuals and longer term indirect benefits to society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
DH is in cancer research. The benefits are not immediate of course, but he contributes to the general push for knowledge, diagnoses and cures.

I used to do to the same thing, now I stay home. I definitely improve my family's life, which for now is perfectly satisfying.

I'm in a "similar" field, except it is diabetes research. I've coauthored many publications looking at risk factors, etc, that contribute to complications, and also results from clinical trials. I like to think it is helpful.