Fame
As far as we know, Buddy the Elf is the only one to break the mold and actually achieve worldwide renown. But he wasn't born an elf, so if there's no human family wondering whatever happened to their long lost son or daughter...your chances of experiencing any degree of fame aren't good.
It's your job to blend in with the rest of your co-workers, to be another cog in the machine. You might be named Elf-of-the-Month at some point, and get your picture up on the Big Wall, but that's the extent of it.
Other than that, leave the fame to Santa, the reindeer, and the occasional snowman. They've been dealing with paparazzi for centuries...they know how to handle 'em.