My PhD had some up and downs (I am at my 1 and 1/2 year).

Sometimes, even in the same window of time I find my self working on different projects. Some are frustrating and some are f**ing exciting..and the last ones give me the strenght to stay there :D

Hi, here are some practical tips I used and am using to improve my network:
(although I have to admit I am far away from being the only phd around, like your situation is)
- to know where you project is going: try to have weekly/biweekly discussion with your supervisor to discuss what you did and what you can do next, so you will have a practical idea of what's happening
- to extend your network: if there are talks/seminars in your uni or a nearby institute that are even slightly related to your topic, definely go there.
maybe you are shy but you can try to do a little effort to actively know someone new there
- to meet new friends: if you live in a big city you can have a look to websites like meetup.com where you can meet people with your same interests (reading, painting, ecc) outside the campus

Hey, I am also at my 14th month and trying to change.. high five! ;)

I agree with the suggestion of talking to someone, although I am avoiding to talk about it directly with my supervisor.

I, personally, only started talking about my problems with colleagues. This, hoping they may direct me towards some new project/supervisor. And then, in case I find something, I will speak to my supervisor of my problem. I prefer to avoid messing up with my supervisor without any "backup" plan.

What I think can boost a lot (and maybe is in the "related field" row in the image?) is to know multiple fields.

It helps in creativity because somehow you may be get inspired by a technique used in a field, to solve a problem in another field. Plus, you may connect the two fields (if they are closely related) to gain a deeper understanding.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I definley have to build up the "strenght" (I am actually quite shy in this field) and have a proper conversation with my supervisor.

During my PhD interview, due to my good computing skills, I was told I would have worked on the code we use _and_ on the phyiscal analysis of its results.

After more than a year, all problems I discussed with my supervisors (and solved) are _only_ performance technicality about the code we use.

I actually love to code/think of new algorithms and implement improvement, so days are actually flowing pretty productively. And this is why I put in the title "I do not like _so_ much".

Being just productive and useful does not make me really happy.

I'd love to co-operate on the phyisical analysis of our results. And the fact that I am missing the opportunity on working on this sied of our scientific research, demoralizes me.

After all this time I am only "the guy who works on the code" to which no one asks any question related to the phyisical results.

You may tell me to "just" talk with my supervisor about my willing to move to a slightly different direction (since it was even been promised to me). Well, I tried to do it (very shyly I admit), and every time he became vague and do not reply.

In conclusion:
have you ever found yourself in the situation? or in the situation you needed to completely change field? what have you done?

I know all situations and people involved are different, but I could still learn something from your experience.