I am facing a really tough decision and would like someone’s input. I currently do research in environmental science. I am in a master’s program and should finish in May. After I finish, I plan on doing my PhD somewhere else in a slightly different (but still related) field. Over the summer I worked in another lab that does similar things that we do in our lab and I was amazed at the contrast. I won’t go into details, but their methods were a lot more sound, they were more thorough, and they generated more robust data. Now that I am back to my program, I can’t seem to focus at all on my project- it seems meaningless now. The dataset is weak and incomplete and I doubt it is publishable (except in perhaps a super low impact journal- I already have a few publications).
My question is: should I leave my current program? The option is for me to move to another state (more than happy to do it) and work temporarily with a PI that I know. I would continue to apply to PhD programs for next fall.
Pros: I would get to do meaningful research and work towards a robust publication. I would get to move out of the state I am currently living in (not loving it here). I get a clean start. I get to work with PIs that I really admire and hope to emulate- also are big names and influential in the field. I can work up my current dataset and continue to work data from my current lab remotely (no more bench work needed).
Cons: I might burn the bridge with my current PI- who I have a great relationship with and is a fairly big name; I would screw the lab over on a few things. I would lose the respect of professors in my current department. I could potentially regret this decision.
Does anyone have any input?
Other potentially relevant information:
I am also going through a breakup; I’ve done my undergrad and grad work at the same university; I struggle with my mental health and have for years and years.
If I've left out any useful information, please let me know.
