well, it's work that is several steps removed from directly impacting an individual. Nobody's ever come to my lab to tell me I saved their life. (but if our work bears fruit, everyone will have better hearing aids!)

I worked EMS in undergrad; none of my patients ever found me afterwards to thank me, but we _probably_ saved a life or two. (narcan is magical)

it's a fun conversation to have over a few beers.