Does this mean you feel that your work is not altruistic?

Would you mind elaborating on that? Some days I feel like I’d rather work for a non-profit than where I am.

Having worked in a government organization (military) for 10 years, i will guess.

I think the point is not that one is not better than the other, simply that they are different. Each coin has two sides, and double edged swords cut both ways.

If youre flush with cash, you might feel void of meaning. If youre helping children, you feel fulfilled but frustrated by what little it would take to accomplish so much more.

Reminds me of the Japanese idea of 'Ikigai' [1]. Basically what you describe - most careers end up fulfilling you in one way, but leave you devoid in another.

[1]http://theviewinside.me/what-is-your-ikigai/