My big satisfaction comes from knowing that my work is part of world-wide visual/audio communications efforts. In my field, this is the big leagues.
Plus, I often get to write/direct the entire project, and that's another big love of mine.
Playing for people....it depends on what people. For me, it's all about playing with others...making great players sound fabulous.
I know I have a limited audience, but I am NOT willing to play crap just because some uninformed person wants to listen to it.
When others do it, that's entertainment. When I play it's all about the music.
It's less money, fewer crowds and a lot more work.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Russ