Hi guys so I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I started research 6 hours a week Monday/Wednesday and I absolutely hate it. I did it because I'm a psych major and also applying to some OTD programs, but now I'm not sure if it's worth it. I feel that my time could be better spent job shadowing at a different hospital.
They've invested so much time in getting me a badge and registered but I'm not sure if I would even be beneficial to them. I also was counting on using the professor in charge as a LOR but if I hate it so much it probably won't be a good letter.
Any advice on how not doing this and instead job shadowing could negatively impact me when it comes to OT applications?
I don't know that there is any one answer to your question, other than the fact that most schools really look at an application holistically. This means that while having a research experience can help strengthen an application, most of the time it's not going to "make or break it." It's really tough to evaluate how much not having this experience and having more shadowing hours will impact your chances, you still have LORs, academics, other extracurricular activities, writing sample(s), interviews...
Before quitting I would challenge you to do a few things:
1. Evaluate why you don't like it: is it just that it's research, your supervisor, the tasks you have, etc. While just being unhappy isn't a good thing, knowing why you didn't enjoy this experience will help in the future.
2. As uncomfortable as it may be, talk to your supervisor about why you are unhappy (hence step number one). At the very least, you'll be in the same boat you are now. But there may be ways that your experience can be altered to be more enjoyable. In my experience with different research advisors, being honest gets you a lot farther than sticking it out/just leaving without trying to talk to them. Maybe the conversation will solidify your want to leave, or it will encourage you to try something new.
Ultimately, you have to do what's best for you. I wouldn't worry so much about the impact on your application -- you'll have other experiences to sell/write about. If at the end of the day you're happy with how you spent your time before OT school, there will probably be a way to tie it into your applications and your passion for the career. Best of luck!!
