Our respondents were mostly graduate students and postdocs--a nearly even split--with a remaining few percent split among undergraduates, faculty members, and research associates. In response to the question, "How do you feel about your long-term professional prospects?" more than half--54.6%, to be precise--described themselves as "Somewhat hopeful." A large minority, though--30.2%--chose the "Not very hopeful" option, which carried the explanatory note, "It seems unlikely that I'll have the career I've been hoping for."

Link (Science Careers, 10/2008)