On how to tell your advisor that you need independence (or you don't want to coauthor every paper with the boss).
Every so often, a PhD student will ask for advice on how to "get some distance" from their advisor.
The question always causes me to pause.
Why?
Because I do not want to get involved in family quarrels.
Usually, the question is about coauthoring papers.
Usually, the student is chafing under the heavy hand of their advisor.
Usually, the student does not want to add or keep their advisor as a coauthor.
The student often tells me their advisor has failed to contribute.
Which.
Usually, it makes me wince and want to "get some distance" from the question.
Because family quarrels can get mean in a hurry.
Why mean?
Because typically, these questions mean there is some low-level or high-level tension in the student's mind, which could spill over into a fight.
Often, the reason is one of two.
Either the student and advisor didn't discuss the rules for collaboration and coauthorship before a project started (low level), or an advisor asked for coauthorship without contributing (high level).
The first can be resolved with a forward-looking conversation. Usually, a good way to do so is to suggest to the advisor that it is good for your career to demonstrate independence.
Assuming the student has fulfilled their obligation on existing projects & continues to perform assigned work, most advisors will appreciate the conversation & extend their blessing.
Resolving the second is more brutal. It assumes that the student & advisor share an understanding of what a contribution means.
Some faculty members feel that funding a student is enough of a contribution.
I know others who feel they need to help write the paper to be called a contributor.
The variance is what makes me want to "get some distance."
While I know a contribution in my field, I don't know what it is in every field.
So what to do?
(1) learn the norms of your field.
Talk to a few people and discover what is expected in your discipline.
(2) set expectations.
Note that many of my posts focus on expectations.
Academics assume a lot. We need to talk more.
It's important for both of you to understand the terms of collaboration against the context of your field.
(3) set boundaries.
If you want a paper to be clearly yours, even if it counters your field's norms, let your advisor know.
It prevents future drama.
(4) don't sneak around.
Nothing makes an advisor angrier than a student submitting a paper without letting them know.
They should know bc they may be asked about it.
They should also know bc the advisor can be held accountable for your mistakes.
It's a professional courtesy.
If you set expectations up front, keep your commitments, and do good work, you will find you either don't need or have an easy time "getting some distance" from your advisor.
Best of luck!
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