I have had these types of "boring but fulfilling projects" as well. I have also been on the other side where I cannot feel any pride in what I am building and the only solice is at least I got to learn something new.

I think what makes the difference is the proximity to the user. In your printing company you got to know the process then build a solution that directly helped your co-worker and boss. Even if it only helps in a small way that feels very satisfying. Where I get frustrated is and lose all that empathy is when the company keeps multiple layers of indirection between the devs and the users (customer report -> Customer Service -> Product Management -> devs).