When I graduate from uni my desire is to land a job where I feel that what I do as a programmer makes a difference and contribute to the project. My code, no matter how small, is useful to the project, is being used by the project, and takes it forward. My work matters and thus I feel that I make a difference.

In contrast, one of my fears is that my work just doesn't matter. Either it is just meaningless to the project but you're told to do it anyway, or your code is useful but not used in the project, or you feel that the project as a whole is just pointless, for whatever reason.

Is this something that you've experienced, or are experiencing?

Do you feel that you, as a programmer, make a difference, or do you feel that what you do just doesn't matter?