I absolutely do. Not only do I know that SSA uses the data I produce to evaluate the retirement abilities of Americans but in every single research conference I to I am swamped by researchers why wan to talk with me about how to help them do better work. I have a network that spans the U.S. Thanks to me fed govt. Job. I really enjoy the work I do (although not always the commute) and know that it is helping people. I couldn't imagine otherwise.

Yes.

Always wanted to find new medicine to save people. Turns out science is a shitty career.

So I work in Sales. I know many people think badly of drug pushers, but the drug I push does give people better quality of life, so by influencing doctors I am helping people in a round about way.

No.

I am a hospital based social worker. I definitely help people.

I am an attorney and work for a nonprofit that assists small businesses. So yes, I help small, family-owned businesses with their legal problems every day. I consider that a win. I don't need to change the world, just try to do a good job in my little corner of it.

No. I am a corporate lawyer. I make rich people more rich. This is what pro bono work is for, and why donating money to charity exists. I am at peace with how I live.

I do. I'm a psychologist and get to work one on one with people in distress who need help to feel better. I feel I often make a difference, and I also know that my patients make a positive difference in my life. It's all good.

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!

PP is right - it's very hard to "change the world." Trying to do that is sometimes described as attempting to "boil the ocean." It's just too big and your arms aren't big enough. Except for a handful of folks who fate seems to find at random, all we can do is make the change in the 'world' that we can reach. Even if that is just one person. Rock On!

OP, try being a social worker. I used to volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen. The people who ran the programs were really making a difference in people's lives. We fed them, clothed them, provided them with toiletries, a place to get mail, etc. But, the social workers who work there, they conduct art programs, try to get people jobs, raise money to help supply the food, coordinate us volunteers, etc.

These homeless people, they were worth it. I saw people who were mentally ill and who would never be able to hold a stable living place or employment. I saw other people who were just down on their luck, ate there for a few weeks, and then were out and had a new job.

Anonymous wrote:I am an oncology nurse. so, yes, I feel I make a difference every day. It's not for everyone, but it is a fulfilling career.

I am a cancer survivor and had such sweet oncology nurses. Yes, you guys/gals really DO improve lives. Bless you!

No, I improve life for me and my family by my work.

When I was young - I wanted to change the world. I don't feel I've done as much as I set out to do - but I have worked at some places that I feel make a difference (environmental non-profit and NIH). In some ways I wished I worked more directly in policy decisions but my positions have always been more administrative. I am glad that I've managed to work for organizations I believe in.

I was in media and hated it. Job insecurity, meaningless programming, crazy people. I now work in non-profit management. It has its own issues, but at least I can be proud of the work that my office turns out.

I used to, when I worked for local government. I'm in private sector now and it just doesn't feel like I do. I also dislike my job so perhaps it's a bias. We do conduct some research that may ultimately help people, but the more program/operations-oriented stuff does not offer the same reward as the patient/disease-centered approach.

And OP, unfortunately all jobs are subject to politics, whether Washington politics, hum drum office politics, etc. At least the government bureaucracy at my previous jobs was balanced by that feeling that you're helping people every day.