<p>I am currently volunteering for a research lab, and I just really don't like the kinds of things I do. I've also recently had a change in post-graduate plans, while I am majoring in a science, I will not be applying to grad school or looking for a science tech position following graduation. I also want to quit so that I have more time to explore other career options. I'm very sure that my grad-student mentor and my PI will be angry, but I don't see any point staying in a lab if there is not going to be any use to me for my future (I don't need a rec letter either)</p>
<p>Is this totally unheard of? Should I hold it out at least until the end of the summer and then quit? Any advice?</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it.
For them, it’s just one less thing they have to do. Your research work there is more for your benefit than theirs.</p>
<p>They’ll be less angry than if you’re a really lousy contribution to the lab this summer.</p>
<p>They’ll also understand the lab might not be what you were looking for.</p>
<p>I really disagree with this… you made a commitment, and not that it is not to your benefit you want to quit before that commitment is fulfilled. I say you should stick through the summer if that is what the role was supposed to be to start with. You might want that rec letter in the future, too, even if you can’t foresee that now.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t dismiss research all together just yet. Try to keep an open mind. I would say, finish out your commitment and see how things go. What exactly do they have you doing that you don’t like? Often times, you have to start out doing grunt work and work your way to a “real” project. I was in a similar situation last summer but decided to continue through the academic year to see if it would grow on me… it didn’t. I switched fields all together and now I’m doing an REU with my own independent project and absolutely love it. It’s really just finding your niche.</p>
<p>Can you mention what it is that you don’t like? If it’s just "not interesting, I agree you should stick it out. This sort of project shows responsibility. Exploring other career options- is that something available now or just a vague idea?</p>