Whether they write as part of a regular 9-to-5 job or as a freelancer, most of the time medical writers and their ilk are working for someone. If it’s not a boss, it’s a client. Either way, working for someone else means that at some point, you will get a Project from Hell.

Projects from Hell don’t usually start out that way. They usually are challenging, but that’s often part of why they are initially so interesting. Eventually, however, the interest fades, largely as a result of spending too much time or effort on the project. Eventually the work becomes less about an intellectual exercise, and more about minutia.

In some cases, these projects become one continuous exercise in revision. In others, the project may disappear for long periods at a time, apparently completed, only to return with more revision. Worst, however, are the ones that periodically self-destruct and then begin again, like phoenixes. Such projects may creep into time allocated for other projects, your leisure time, or your weekends.

In most cases, these projects become nightmares because of a lack of communication or direction. Sometimes the instructions from a boss or client are not transmitted clearly. In other cases, the people who want the project may not have a good idea of who their audience is or what the ultimate purpose is for a written piece.

Much as you may try, these situations aren’t always avoidable. However, it helps to keep in mind that at least you’re getting paid to be bored, irritated, or otherwise inconvenienced and you’re getting paid to write. (Maintaining that perspective is made easier if you’re paid a good salary or by the hour.) That’s one thing your creative writing friends can’t always say.