If I feel like I am not really getting anywhere with my PhD research, what should I do?

I feel like I have a good research topic. However, it is simply not turning out the way I imagined it. My advisor is no help. In fact, he is rather flaky. I have not been able to reach him for about two months now. Worst of all, he hasn't even tried to contact me. On top of all, I am not even funded. What should I do? Should I quit before I waste even more time?

If I feel like I am not really getting anywhere with my PhD research, what should I do?
You don't need an advisor to show that you are dedicated and intelligent. If you insist on relying on advisors for external motiviation or help, find yourself another source.





If you are close to finishing your research, then continue. If you've just started, then perhaps it's time to search for another route.
Reply:Don't quit or try to turn this into some kind of political skermish with your advisor. Maybe you should take a break or vacation and start fresh or maybe just start over. Pick something marketable?
Reply:The advisor is just a resource to help you out during the research. But the real person to trust is yourself. Just like he said if you are at the point of finishing just finish with it, but if you are gathering data, searching, and organizing the information perhaps you should consider to change your research. Try to continue to get in touch with your advisor otherwise find out if you could change for another more accesible. I was on the same position and it was hard to get in touch with him, but I was able to finish it. Good luck!!!