system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Dissertation topic: What I can't tell my professors....

I'm a first year PhD student struggling to find a dissertation topic. The first topic I chose shows a lot of promise, but is costly/risky to implement, so I'm putting it on the back burner for now. On my advisor's suggestion, I've picked up a new topic that he is also working on. It's interesting and he has data, so I've been pursuing this topic. Now, another prof in my department sat me down and asked if the topic I'm pursuing is something I'm "really passionate about". He is rather discouraging of this topic, and even quickly threw in the fact that he has this great paper idea all ready, but nobody to implement it (it is, incidentally enough, in my research area interest, as well). So, I have two questions: (1) are both prof's just trying to turn my dissertation into something they can put their name on/work on simultaneously with me/use me to pursue one of their ideas? And (2) I'm passionate about LOTS of subjects in my field! I can envision staying up at late at night for a variety of different topics, not just one. Personally, I think this is a good curious-about-learning attitude to have, especially as a new academic. Why not be "bright-eyed and bushy tailed" at the start? I can be jaded later. But, apparently, professor's think you should have a single, narrow focus. I keep having to lie and justify why I'm pursuing one particular avenue. In reality, I could go a variety of directions and be equally happy in my research. And, as that's the case, I'm choosing the subject that is most topical and has the best results/career potential. How do you know when you've found "the right" dissertation topic??
gpt
It's important to remember two things:

1. Your dissertation isn't the end of your publication history—it's the beginning. Picking something to do here doesn't close down any of those other avenues. Write down the other ideas and put them away; you'll be very glad to have them once the first thing is done!

2. The best dissertation is a done dissertation. A Ph.D. program is an apprenticeship; your goal should be to learn what you need and get the hell out so you can get a real job that actually pays a living wage.