I feel it’s always helpful to keep your eyes open for things that no one has asked you to do but that need to get done.
Things are always going to be expected of you regardless, perhaps because they’re either part of your job description or simply part of your responsibility in life.
The easiest approach to feel good about what you do is to not always anticipate anything in return since that's when nice things come your way. It's what you normally do beyond what's expected that can frequently get you noticed.
I frequently witness this. I understand that as individuals and as creatives, our time is valuable, and we should be paid for the value we offer to a space, but sometimes it's not all about us.
Going above and beyond what is asked of you, sharing your knowledge, and knowing that you can leave a place while recognizing that you have done your job well and that you have delivered beyond will, in my opinion, is the biggest contribution you can make anywhere. Your influence will then be felt whether or not you are in there or not.
I think that in the environment we currently live in, it's incredibly simple to get self-absorbed, and that tendency frequently prevents us from understanding life's bigger picture.