The study is of the fit between career aspirations and career opportunities achieved by individuals, organisations and occupations, within pathology laboratories in a large NHS Regional Health Authority. The information generated is not only of academic interest, but of practical value to the participants. Variables Career expectations, home and work orientations, promotion expectations, career encouragement, career comparisons, training, staff qualities needed, job satisfaction, equal opportunites by gender, work interest, patient contact, attitudes to retirement, attitudes to unions and professional bodies, career satisfaction. Sex, age, marital status, place of residence.