It seems that so often that seems to be the case, not only relating to being punctual but also just doing things (a bit like that say with mum's housework is never done), when things are done, nobody seems to realise and be able to truly appreciate it.

It's true though that noone truly sees it, but I feel that at the end of the day, at the very least, you know and can appreciate your efforts yourself if you know you have truly worked hard to achieve something - even if indeed nobody has seen and appreciated it. I find that self satisfaction, and essentially doing something not necessarily for the sake of it being seen, but because it needs to be done and/or just gives satisfaction to oneself.

This links to one of my favourite quotes.
"If we only do what is required of us we are slaves, the moment we do more we are free" - Cicero 

So sometimes, whether we are required to do something or not, it's ultimately our free decision to decide if we'd like to. Even if noone else realises how much more we may have put into it, at least we know we did...for we are free!