Stress
As with any federal agency, a career at the EPA is sprinkled with its fair share of politics. Some politicians call for EPA reform, others are happy to slash the budget. And others want to get rid of the EPA altogether.
Not every scientist is comfortable under the political spotlight and facing potential scrutiny. Not everyone likes to know that someone is peeking over their shoulder as they work, especially if that person is a skeptical Congressman who's looking for an excuse to get on the EPA's case.