Does your job matter?

In a social situation last week someone applauded me for what I do (anesthesiologist at a trauma hospital). The implication was that I was a good person for doing what I do. I don't think it is fair for me to accept that as correct. I get compensated for my time and efforts. I always remember Kewlj, who as an AP, would never be told how wonderful he is by making a living off of casino weaknesses. But he VOLUNTEERED his time to help in a soup kitchen I believe.
I always try to add something to each patient I take care of to make them smile or feel special, and in that way I feel I give back. I try and mentor young medical students and young doctors as well as a way of thanking those who came before me.

We have a Padre on the forum here who must believe he is doings God's work as his job, but most of us just do a job to make a living. My poorly worded question is this, do you or should you try and get a job that 'does good', or just get a job that pays the freight? Does it matter?

Quote: SOOPOO

Does it matter?

Joseph Campbell's advice was, follow your
bliss. Find an occupation that makes you
happy. If you're happy, it will rub off on
those around you.

I help some people make a lot of money.

I help save people a lot of money in some cases.

The lights on in your house right now could be partly because of me.

Two weeks back a guy was so happy to keep losing to me he bought more chips, money going to the dog pound.

The reason some people can do good is because other people like me get their crank out of bed every day and create the wealth to do so.

Quote: AZDuffman

The lights on in your house right now could be partly because of me.
.

How.

Quote: Evenbob

How.

10 I help clear title so a gas well can be drilled.

20 Gas is one of the leading sources of electricity generation.

30 Electricity makes lights light.

40 GOTO 10

Quote: AZDuffman

10 I help clear title so a gas well can be drilled.

My power comes from a nuke in S MI. 20%
of the US gets nuke power. 4 new plants are
coming online by 2021.

Quote: Evenbob

My power comes from a nuke in S MI. 20%
of the US gets nuke power. 4 new plants are
coming online by 2021.

Well, then when you have a gas stove or heat.

Quote: SOOPOO

In a social situation last week someone applauded me for what I do (anesthesiologist at a trauma hospital). The implication was that I was a good person for doing what I do. I don't think it is fair for me to accept that as correct. I get compensated for my time and efforts.

If the surgeon takes off the wrong leg, does your paycheck get docked? If you allow someone who needs dialysis to live, are you charged for any of the subsquent costs to the community? In most hospitals patients are at some point provided with a small packet of Kleenex and charged $2000 for it. Do you sleep nights being associated with that?

Quote: Fleastiff

If the surgeon takes off the wrong leg, does your paycheck get docked? If you allow someone who needs dialysis to live, are you charged for any of the subsquent costs to the community? In most hospitals patients are at some point provided with a small packet of Kleenex and charged $2000 for it. Do you sleep nights being associated with that?

Those things are consequences of a for-profit healthcare system rather than the fault of any individual(s) within that system.

I'm sure Hugh Hefner valued your work.