To quit or not?

Perseverance is a prized virtue, but it can be destructive if taken too far. ‘From a very young age, we’re reinforced to believe that accomplishing and achieving things – no matter how difficult – is really a badge of honour,’ says Nakia Hamlett, an assistant professor of psychology at Connecticut College in the US. As people acquire more experience, they realise that not everything is worth fighting for – and that putting the brakes on a project or leaving a job can often be beneficial.

If you’re at a crossroads, here are some tips to help you analyse your situation and ascertain whether it is time to say goodbye.

Understand your goals 

When Bill Carroll, an adjunct professor in the department of chemistry at Indiana University, Bloomington, advises a student struggling to finish their PhD, he asks them what they hope to get out of it. ‘You don’t have to be frighteningly smart to get a PhD in chemistry. But you do have to want it. Because it goes through all those failed experiments, qualifiers, cumulative exams, the long hours, and not getting paid much,’ says Carroll. Many students enter a PhD programme hoping to land a job – that’s a perfectly valid objective, but it may not be enough to help them navigate the vagaries of PhD life. Carroll suggests converting to a master’s degree may be a better option for some. If you’re committed to the research track and still facing difficulties, it may be helpful to talk to your boss or change your supervisor.