>I will say that those who can do research probably dont become adjuncts, but continue as a researcher on soft money or go in industry. The more liberal arts, philosophy, turn to adjunct positions.

I know a bunch in engineering and medical fields who are adjuncts. It's not rare. They do get paid a lot better than liberal arts ones, though and often get benefits as well. But they're situation is as precarious - they could get cut any semester.

Seems surprising that such can't find a position outside of academia. I am cog-neuro so a little more bound.

I'm sure they can, but they usually either like what they're doing and are OK with the pay, or have other constraints (do not want to leave the city, etc).