Q: I seem to have lost focus on my research topic for almost 5 years now. What could be wrong?
Not sure if it is me or my supervisor. We have only sat down twice in the course of my project to talk about the project.
In your question, you have talked about two issues, that there has been no focus in your research for almost five years and that your supervisor and you have only twice talked about your project in this duration. Both are matters of concern, although the former seems to be the result of the latter.
Also, as you have indicated, it may be a challenge on either your supervisor’s part or your part, although there may be certain conditions responsible for the situation. It may be that your supervisor is very busy with other projects, students, and academic challenges. They may also have some personal challenges that you may not be aware of. In a rare case, it may be that they are not very keen on your research topic.
On your part, it could be that you are uncomfortable discussing the lack of communication and focus with your supervisor, especially out of regard or respect for them. However, for your own sake and for the sake of your project, you will need to summon the inclination and resources to do so.
Here are a few ways to go about this situation. You may decide to follow any one, all, or a combination of these, and in the sequence you consider best.
- Discussing the situation with someone else. This could be a peer or a senior. Additionally, if your university or institute has some kind of support or counselling service, you may decide to take their help. You could talk about the situation, your feelings of anxiety and concern, and possible reasons and resolutions for the situation. In so doing, you may also come to know if there is a challenge on your supervisor’s behalf and what could be done to help resolve that.
- Deciding to connect / speak with your supervisor. Sometimes, the direct approach works best. However, you may decide to first approach it “softly” rather than confrontationally. You could decide to just ask them for a catch-up over a coffee, instead of talking directly about work. This may also help to (re)build the rapport. They will hopefully agree to this semi-formal chat. In the chat, at an appropriate time, you could bring up the status of your project, the level of their involvement, and how it is a matter of concern to you (especially as so much time has passed). You could come to know of any challenges on their side, which will provide a starting point toward a resolution. In case you are not comfortable asking for a chat, you could write a mail. Doing so will also help you plan and organize your thoughts.
- Deciding to change your supervisor. This would be the last resort, if any of the earlier paths haven’t worked. Also, this depends on how easy it is to change supervisors in your university or institute. Again, this may come up when you are exercising any of the earlier methods. Note that this may involve judicious thinking on your part.
Lack of communication with the supervisor and distant (or even discouraging) supervisors are common challenges in research. However, you may take heart from the fact that there are several others out there who have dealt with these challenges and come out successful. Read the following researcher stories to know how others have dealt with these challenges. There are also some stories about positive supervisors. All the best for a successful resolution!
This content belongs to the Career Growth Stage