To Quit or Not To Quit?

[xXIDaShizIXx]

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So, I'm leading a research project under two professors, on top of two part-time jobs, being a full time student, two volunteer locations, four honor societies and I'm married so I would like to have some time with my wife. I was just recently accepted to a Psy.D. program that I am very happy with (don't turn this into a Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. debate), and on top of it all, I'm not getting paid for this research experience, and it would seem that I don't need it now. Regardless if I stay or not now, I won't be able to stay after the end of this year when I am graduating because my wife and I will be moving out of state. My question is should I keep working on this research, or drop it? Oh and to make this situation stickier, the two professors in question are two of the three who wrote me letters of recommendation. If I end up needing to stay that's okay, I just wanted you guys' opinion on this. Thanks!

 

[voyeurofthemind]

Ultimately it is, of course, your choice. My .02 cents is to cut back on the volunteer locations and the honor societies. Given that you are leading the research project I would stay and continue your commitment. It is one thing to drop it if you are just a team member but considering these professors wrote you a letter and also entrusted you to lead the project I would finish the commitment. I always work off the policy to never bite the hand that feeds me and to show some loyalty to individuals who have particularly helped me with advancement of my career.

 

[clinpsych]

So, I'm leading a research project under two professors, on top of two part-time jobs, being a full time student, two volunteer locations, four honor societies and I'm married so I would like to have some time with my wife. I was just recently accepted to a Psy.D. program that I am very happy with (don't turn this into a Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. debate), and on top of it all, I'm not getting paid for this research experience, and it would seem that I don't need it now. Regardless if I stay or not now, I won't be able to stay after the end of this year when I am graduating because my wife and I will be moving out of state. My question is should I keep working on this research, or drop it? Oh and to make this situation stickier, the two professors in question are two of the three who wrote me letters of recommendation. If I end up needing to stay that's okay, I just wanted you guys' opinion on this. Thanks!

Hmm...I tend to agree that you should make cuts in other areas before quitting the research project. Since this is your chosen field, you'll need to be mindful of your reputation and not burn any bridges (especially if you plan to stay in the area). Saying "See you, suckas!" to two people who have just given you a hand up doesn't seem like a great idea to me.

It's also hard to foretell whether you'll want LOR from them or some additional presentations and publications on your CV in the future. I've always been more clinically oriented but my well developed research experience has gotten me into some fantastic (academic) training sites. I'm not trying to take this thread into Psy.D. versus Ph.D. territory, but having significant research experience (i.e., having presentations and publications) will give you additional credibility with some Ph.D.s who may review your C.V. in the future.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Hmm...I tend to agree that you should make cuts in other areas before quitting the research project. Since this is your chosen field, you'll need to be mindful of your reputation and not burn any bridges (especially if you plan to stay in the area). Saying "See you, suckas!" to two people who have just given you a hand up doesn't seem like a great idea to me.

It's also hard to foretell whether you'll want LOR from them or some additional presentations and publications on your CV in the future. I've always been more clinically oriented but my well developed research experience has gotten me into some fantastic (academic) training sites. I'm not trying to take this thread into Psy.D. versus Ph.D. territory, but having significant research experience (i.e., having presentations and publications) will give you additional credibility with some Ph.D.s who may review your C.V. in the future.

Advice well taken. Thank you for the input!

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Ultimately it is, of course, your choice. My .02 cents is to cut back on the volunteer locations and the honor societies. Given that you are leading the research project I would stay and continue your commitment. It is one thing to drop it if you are just a team member but considering these professors wrote you a letter and also entrusted you to lead the project I would finish the commitment. I always work off the policy to never bite the hand that feeds me and to show some loyalty to individuals who have particularly helped me with advancement of my career.

I agree. That is why I was asking what you guys thought. I in no way wanted to jeopardize the professional and personal relationships that I have fostered with these professors. Any other opinions?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Well I have made my decision, you guys are right. I am going to stick with it, it is the least I can do seeing as they have helped me advance my career, not to mention I really do enjoy the research we are doing and all I need to do is prioritize it over other activities such as volunteering.🙂

 

[futureapppsy2]

So, I'm leading a research project under two professors, on top of two part-time jobs, being a full time student, two volunteer locations, four honor societies and I'm married so I would like to have some time with my wife. I was just recently accepted to a Psy.D. program that I am very happy with (don't turn this into a Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. debate), and on top of it all, I'm not getting paid for this research experience, and it would seem that I don't need it now. Regardless if I stay or not now, I won't be able to stay after the end of this year when I am graduating because my wife and I will be moving out of state. My question is should I keep working on this research, or drop it? Oh and to make this situation stickier, the two professors in question are two of the three who wrote me letters of recommendation. If I end up needing to stay that's okay, I just wanted you guys' opinion on this. Thanks!

First, I find it really odd that you would be accepted into any program in the middle of September, especially since it sounds like you aren't starting until the following fall (?). Second, like others, I'd cut back on the honor societies and possibly the volunteering before dropping the research project. It looks really bad to just bail out on a project like that without major extenuating circumstances, and the research experience should still benefit you even in a PsyD program.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

First, I find it really odd that you would be accepted into any program in the middle of September, especially since it sounds like you aren't starting until the following fall (?). Second, like others, I'd cut back on the honor societies and possibly the volunteering before dropping the research project. It looks really bad to just bail out on a project like that without major extenuating circumstances, and the research experience should still benefit you even in a PsyD program.

Long story about the acceptance. I was an eager beaver and stayed in contact with the admissions committee as soon as I submitted everything, needless to say I bagged an early acceptance. If you read my last post, I agree and that is why I have decided to stay, among other reasons. Thanks for the input!🙂