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it is true that economics is a lot of just talking about stuff. but, i think that this "just talking" enhances our understanding of the world and that allows us to make the world a better place. for example, would the great depression have happened if we had the economic understanding we have now? i don't think so. so in that sense i think "just talking" does help. on the other hand, it is true that most researchers will have little influence on the future and on social welfare in general. but that is not specific to economics, that is true of any research field. also medical researchers rarely come up with life saving research, but a few do. and you need all those researchers so that 2% can actually make a difference, because you don't know ahead of time who those 2% are.
there are very few jobs where as you say you are actually doing stuff and can see the fruit of your work immediately and see your impact. maybe a doctor or a psychologist (but those are making an impact on a small scale). the question is what are you looking for in a profession? to change the world? in that case you are likely to get disappointed no matter what field you enter. to make yourself a better person, more educated etc.? then i think research is a great option.
what other options are you considering? what are you looking for in a job? what attracts you to each of the fields you are considering?
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