Hi everyone. I started my PhD about a year ago after failing to find a job for almost two years after graduating with my Bachelor's degree (Aerospace Eng). A professor I previously worked with was kind enough to offer me a fully-funded PhD with a generous stipend. The caveat, however, is that I will need to move into a completely new field (Atmospheric Science).
One year on, I found I have developed little interest in this new field. Furthermore, there is a looming deadline for a confirmation report on the project which I am getting less and less interested in. The thought of quitting has become so pervasive that it is affecting my work. I have listed down my self-reflection below.
Reasons not to quit:
Supportive supervisor and research group
Back to square one if I quit (look for jobs again arghh)
Reasons to quit:
Little interest in the field of study
Not sure if I want research / academia as a career
Don't think I am prepared to tackle a PhD (might fail confirmation anyway)
Feels like I am giving up my real interest & passion (aviation)
I appreciate any advice on whether you think the reasons given are sufficient cause for throwing in the towel. Any personal experience will be nice too. I seriously need some fresh perspective to break me out of the thought-loop.
Also, I have not told my supervisor how I am feeling. Should I let him know now or wait till I have made a firm decision?
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