what a noble profession. what... a noble profession?

As I sat at lunch with my friends today, we talked about our futures (dare I say a popular topic these days) and what we would like to do for the rest of our lives.  One friend wants to work for fair trade businesses. Another is going to teach English to immigrant children. There was also a peace corps volunteer mixed in with a side of missionary work to developing countries.  So, apparently I keep incredible company.  But where does all of that leave me? I piped in " My goal is to be a lowly cultural commentary writer and columnist. "  Which leads me to the question on my mind now: is it okay to devote one's life to a job that doesn't necessarily change lives or benefit the world in a huge and noble way?  Sure, I may get the opportunity to inspire people with my writing. But for the most part, people will  read my articles (I hope) laugh a little to themselves, be entertained or interested for a few minutes and then put the paper down and move on with their life.  Don't get me wrong I would love to be a prize winning journalist someday or get an incredible opportunity to travel the world and write about it.  But what if that never happens?  I may never get to work for the Times or USA today.  Now, obviously these questions cannot be answered tonight.  But they lead to a bigger question concerning careers and time spent.  We do not have long on this earth, so should we devote what little time we have to making the world a better place?  I guess that depends on our perspective.  I know the only person judging my career path is myself, but naturally, I am my biggest critic.  At the end of the day I think it's most important to like what you did with that day.  Maybe my career will change some body's life or maybe it will just make someone think a little harder or get a laugh that day.  Either way I am a writer and writing will be my life's work. I can't imagine it any other way, so I guess there's my answer, right?