In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, here are 15 things I’m thankful for as a freelance medical writer (full disclosure: I stole this idea from my friend Alisa, who has an awesome blog on marriage and romance you should follow at www.projecthappilyeverafter.com)
I’m thankful . . .
1. That I get to work in sweaty workout clothes and no one knows (except my dogs and they smell worse than me).
2. For clients who know what they want, pay promptly, and actually provide feedback.
3. That I learn something new on every project.
4. That I can write about topics that affect everyone.
5. That I have more job security than anyone in a “traditional” job.
6. That I can set my own schedule.
7. That I have a PhD husband who shares my office when he’s not traveling and can decipher statistics for me.
8. For the Internet. How did anyone do this job without it?
9. For my friend Gen who told me about the wonderful world of double computer screens; couldn’t live without them!
10. For all the other freelancers at AMWA who listen when I need to vent and provide such great advice
11. For bibliographic databases. Endnote, I love you!
12. For NPR.
13. For naps.
14. For my puppy Jessie who loves to spend the day in my lap as I write.
15. For the gift of being able to make a good living doing something I love.
What are you thankful for this year? Leave a comment!
7 Responses to “What I’m Thankful For As a Medical Writer”
Rian
Alas I am late to the party!
9. For my friend Gen who told me about the wonderful world of double computer screens; couldn't live without them!
Multi-monitor setups are a godsend! Don't know if you're a Windows user, but if you are, Windows 7 has some *really* nifty keyboard shortcuts.
http://lifehacker.com/5132073/the-best-new-windows-7-keyboard-shortcuts
Windows Key + Left to take the current window, set it to half your screen size and dock it on the left side of your monitor. Win Key + Right… self-evident. This is great for comparing documents side-by-side, or having a browser window open next to a document. No more having to resize by dragging windows around.
Add in a shift key (Win + Shift + L/R) will do this across multi-monitor desktops.
It's easily the feature I use most in Win7.
Deb
You are totally right, Maura. I couldn't sit in front of the computer for 10 hours a day without you forcing me to get up and move for at least two hours a week!
Anonymous
OK Debra,
I am assuming that if your list was to continue, I would see …. 16. “My Trainer, Maura, who kicks my butt and I love every minute of it!”
About me:
Awwww. I'm totally blushing. . . You're the best, Alison!
Alison
I am thankful for having worked for such a great writer and editor, who continues to inspire me with her discipline and accomplishments. 🙂
genwrites55
Hey,I made it to your thankful list! things to add to be thankful for as a freelance medical writer:
–people will receive more informed medical care because of your efforts
–you can fire your boss
–happy hour starts whenever you are ready for it
Alisabow
Oh, the Internet. Thank God that came about before my writing career seriously took off. Definitely up there.
Not having a boss. Not having a job description. Not having a yearly performance review.