I am not happy with my current research project. What should I do?
First and foremost, you must figure out, as precisely as possible, why you are unhappy. What would a great project look like, how would it feel to you, how is the current one falling short? Is it too theoretical/not theoretical enough? Do you want or need more social interaction? What do you need to change? And beware the allure of the new, which may be attractive only because it is less well known.
Second, have you talked to your advisor about this? Talk to your advisor, openly and honestly, about the possibility of shifting your focus or about finding a different project that's a better fit. Keep in mind that you will encounter roadblocks and difficulties no matter what research project you work on; it is important to learn to deal with these head on and give yourself the time needed to succeed. On the other hand, attempting to solve difficult problems does not always work out, and figuring out when to move on to something new is equally important. Besides your advisor, talk to other graduate students and colleagues for advice on this.
I am not happy with my research progress. What should I do?
This is a common feeling among all grad students, and it may be unfounded. Grad school, like life, is tough! Things do not always go as planned, and, often, even after doing considerable work on a project, you may have made only moderate progress. This is normal. Further, different types of research may progress at different rates. You may be comparing apples to oranges. Resist the temptation to compare yourself to other grad students.
Your best first step is to ask yourself what makes you think your progress is slower than it needs to be. Has your advisor told you this? Are you looking at colleagues’ output? Is it possible that you are depressed and discouraged and that is coloring your perceptions of your research?
Also consider whether you are investing your time and effort as effectively as possible. Are you dividing your work into small, manageable, achievable goals, or is time management a problem for you? Are you putting in quality time or procrastinating/deferring/ignoring your research, and, if so, why? Look at your progress through a longer lens. How are you doing today versus several months ago, or last year? Are you learning a lot? Are you coming up with ideas, even if some of them do not pan out? Are you satisfied with the way you are doing your research? Are you getting better at it? A PhD takes 5 or more years, and all of us figure things out at our own pace.
Next, talk to youradvisor to confirm or reject your own assessment. Your perception might be off the mark. Listen to their opinion about where you should be given the amount of time you’ve been working on the project, its complexity, and your research sophistication.
My advisor is not happy with my research progress. What should I do?
If your advisor believes your progress is slower than it needs to be, schedule a meeting to discuss this topic (and only this topic). Prepare by documenting your achievements and identifying the problems you may have encountered and how you have already attempted to resolve them. Consider discussing strategies for meeting preparation with the grad advising team or trusted colleagues. If you suspect the discussion might be difficult, refresh your skills on managing stressful conversations
My advisor is never available. How can I get them to make time for me?
Having regular communications with your advisor is critical to your success as a grad student. Be sure to work with them to set regular meeting times. Advisors will typically meet with students every week. If after speaking to them about it, they still will not make time for you, it may be time to consider elevating the issue or finding another advisor.
My advisor expects more of me than I can provide. How can I do my coursework, TA, and make progress on my research, all at the same time?
This is a complicated, yet common situation. First, you may be juggling many things other than your research. For example, if you do not have funding, you may need to TA while also taking classes and doing research. Events may be going on in your personal life that are demanding your time and attention.
Find a rhythm that lets you succeed through these challenges. Talk to your advisor about it, and to other faculty and more senior students, to get ideas for how to manage your time more effectively. Remember, though, especially if you are a first year student, that you will naturally become more productive throughout your time in the program as you absorb course material, grow as a researcher, and become a better juggler. You can not expect this to happen overnight, and neither should your advisor.
Above all, keep your personal well being in mind and practice self-care. You know the limits of your productivity best, and the limits of how much stress you can comfortably manage. If you feel like your advisor’s expectations exceed this, communicate your limits to them. If there is still a mismatch in expectations, consider finding a new advisor. If you sacrifice your well being, go beyond your limits, and burn out, this will not do anyone any good. Especially you.
My advisor said they don't want to work with me. Or, I no longer want to work with my advisor. What should I do?
Sometimes, advisor-advisee relationships simply don't work out. This is OK. Talk to other professors you may be interested in working with and try to find someone with whom you can develop an effective working relationship. Consult with the grad advising team or the faculty grad liaison for advice on finding someone new.