I know what you mean here. Even though I'm just starting out I've thought about this already. I mean I like my job but there is no creative growth whatsoever. Obviously this job is a lot of mental work, but it's mostly repetitious procedural type of mental work.. I'm not saying the job isn't important, and of course it IS, but there isn't like a product or idea you develop, that you can feel personally fulfilled about. It's not like you help improve the world in any little way. I mean obviously transporting your pax safely is a very important responsibility, but as long as you do your job right which most of us do since there are very few airline accidents, it's not something that really makes a difference in the lives of others. The job is very cut and dry. To me, it's missing this... reward aspect. I like flying and I like my job, but at the end of the day I don't get that fulfilled feeling.
Don't mean to be preachy here, but I finally agree with you on something here, Skyhigh!