Starting before matriculation

[kaister]

So I'm in a unique situation where I'm already volunteering in the lab that I got accepted into.  My prof wants to sit down and talk about future project ideas, which is great and I'm excited to do so.  I guess my concern is that since I'm not yet enrolled/employed, technically, is my prof going to expect me to start doing work?  I mean I do things here and there to contribute to the lab as I can (especially since it's on volunteer basis and I have a real job to make money right now).  Don't get me wrong, I would love to start on my academic life, but I feel like right now my obligations are too scattered to really do any genuine work of my own.  Once I get to start grad school, and I'll be free of other obligations to commit fully, but in this situation...what do you think?  Should I mention that to my prof?  I'm probably exaggerating what will happen in anticipation...but figured I'd hear some opinions.

[Lisa44201]

I think there's a difference between talking about research ideas versus everything-but-data-collection sort of work (i.e., writing up the IRB, beginning a literature review, etc.). I personally would enjoy the opportunity to talk about future research ideas, even going so far as to sketch out a basic research design so you can hit the ground running in the fall, but I suggest flat-out asking if these ideas are for projects for once you're enrolled/employed. I think your point with the time constraints of having to work an outside job for now so not being able to commit to more work currently is certainly valid.

[BeingThere]

Maybe you should wait and see what your professor has in mind.  August will be here before you know it and, like Lisa44201 mentioned, geting a jump on things -- even if it's just being able to anticipate what the work is going to be -- is a great advantage.  (But this is coming from someone who works a full-time job, works a part-time job, takes classes, and does research as well.)  Maybe he'll just want you to start reading some of the literature on a specific topic.  Be open-minded!  Go with a positive attitude!  And I would suggest that honesty about your situation is always the best policy.

[magusvulgaris]

I am in a similar situation as you do. It felt odd at the beginning, but then I got used to it. Think about it as a possibility for a better start. I say that you should do as much as possible, given your situation. That's what I am doing...

[kaister]

Thanks you guys, you're right, I should be more positive about it.  I guess I was just worried I wouldn't be able to follow through on things.