While the work is subjective the biggest difference I have from many web designers is that I wasn't a "geek" by trade. I was in several other businesses prior to web design and understand that side of the equation well. Both as a small business owner and a consumer using the computer. Accordingly I focus on making sites easy to navigate for the end user.
I enjoy the variety of businesses with whom I work. In one week I worked with a cruise planner, lawyer, rock band, plumber and a vineyard. I also like the fact that web design is creative AND functional. It's not just pretty pictures on the computer; it can actually become the base from which a business operates and the single biggest piece of their overall marketing puzzle.