According to a report in SciDev.net a survey in China shoes that a third of workers in science and technology there would rather be civil servants or managers than do their current job.

The survey, undertaken by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) also shows that the number of science and technology workers in China has risen by 74% since 2002, to 52 million.

Part of the problem, apparently is the pressure that comes with the job, especially in the high flying academic ranks. This includes pressure to publish as well as the pressure of constant evaluations.

Amazingly 32% of science and technology workers – and this list includes researchers, engineers, technicians and teachers – earn less than the national average. No wonder then that the civil service is seen as a more attractive career.

For more facts and figures, check out SciDev.net’s article.