EN
This text presents some of the results of an empirical research aimed at career aspirations of the vice–principals of Hong Kong’s schools, considering their work duties and professional satisfaction. One of the objectives was to explore the manner in which the disparity between realistic work duties and the thoughts about ideal work contents can affect career aspirations. The reasearch was conceived as a questionnaire survey of a representative sample of secondary school vice-principals. The analysis of the obtained data shows large differences between real and ideal work involvement. Such differences are explained in detail and discussed in relation with other factors.