I'm currently a master's student(rising second year) wanting to applying for Ph.D, in the US. I completely switched field with the M.S. program so when I decided my lab, it was not an entirely educated choice. Now, after the first year, I knew what I'm passionate about and is switching to a new lab once the fall semester starts.

I already told my current PI that I'll be moving and he is supportive. However, he wants to push me to finish my current project which he says won't take too long. From my experience working on the project, I know that is not true. I also want to apply to Ph.D. program with the research interest of my new lab, so new lab work will be my priority.

Usually, I wouldn't mind work the old lab project on the side to finish it up. But I'm taking 60 credits at a prestige private university that's well known for it's stress and heavy course load.

I told my PI I don't want to bite off more than I can chew, it's in the lab's best interest to find someone who can focus and prioritize his lab work. And I'll be actively in contact with the person who takes over to help them familiarize with the data. However, he keep saying this isn't much work, I should be able to finish it.

What should I do? I want a good letter of rec from him for the Ph.D. application too.

I’m currently a master’s student  (rising second year) wanting to applying for PhD, in the US. I completely switched field with the M.S. program so when I chose a lab, it was not an entirely educated choice. Now, after the first year, I knew what I’m passionate about and I am switching to a new lab once the fall semester starts.

I already told my current PI that I’ll be moving and he is supportive. However, he wants to push me to finish my current project, which he says won’t take too long. From my experience working on the project, I know that is not true. I also want to apply to a PhD program with the research interest of my new lab, so work in the new lab will be my priority.

Usually, I wouldn’t mind work the old lab project on the side to finish it up. But I’m taking 60 credits at a prestige private university that’s well known for its stress and heavy course load.

I told my PI that I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew and it’s in the lab’s best interest to find someone who can focus and prioritize his lab work. I would be actively in contact with my successor to help them familiarize with the data. However, he keeps saying this isn’t much work, and I should be able to finish it.

What should I do? I want a good letter of recommendation from him for the PhD application too.