[slashdave]

Is the value of a task measured solely by a return?

[Telaneo]

What else is there to measure it by?

The return doesn't have to be money or fame. The journey itself can have some value, be that knowledge, wisdom, connections, whatever else. But all that is its return.

[charcircuit]

Yes, because there is an opportunity cost. There is a more beneficial thing someone can do for themselves or society with that time.