You become a more interesting person. You have responsibility and power. You decide how the reader will perceive the news - how they'll perceive the world. Catching a dumb mistake before readers see it is a rush. Helping someone make a story better is the best drug there is.
Newspapers never ask writers to edit, but they love it when editors write.
You could be the world's best quiz show contestant, because you're a dictionary of useless information. You can move anywhere you want and find a job. You never have to dress nice.