10th April 2005, 01:22 AM
Visi - yeah I know, I was pulling your leg abit there 
When you look at likely alternative professions that utilise some of the skills of the field archaeologist - surveying, gardening, building conservation, IT, digging ditches, to name a few, there are poorly paid jobs available, but with at least a chance of receiving a fair reward eventually. And a fair smattering of people who feel they are wasting their lives and want to do something more meaningful, like archaeology.
There are also huge internal culture difference between non-profit and profit making organisations, and it is interesting to experience and understand both rather than living in the public/grant-aided/charity/profit-averse sector forever.
As far as wages and conditions, an independent diggers union could improve things. Lots of problems and work, but probably not alot more than the work David has put into BAJR over the years. Keep it online and virtual. Maybe start with some kind of registration of interest form.
The diggers union could then establish a proper wage structure (say 20-30% increase) and keep an eye on health and safety and other dodgy practices. I know this is old ground, but wondered if anything had been done specifically for archaeological fieldworkers. If The Kids Are United and all that.
It takes a socialist kind of approach to become a proper capitalist nowadays, or is it the other way round?
I'm starting to think an improved situation in archaeology would be better than leaving now.
When you look at likely alternative professions that utilise some of the skills of the field archaeologist - surveying, gardening, building conservation, IT, digging ditches, to name a few, there are poorly paid jobs available, but with at least a chance of receiving a fair reward eventually. And a fair smattering of people who feel they are wasting their lives and want to do something more meaningful, like archaeology.
There are also huge internal culture difference between non-profit and profit making organisations, and it is interesting to experience and understand both rather than living in the public/grant-aided/charity/profit-averse sector forever.
As far as wages and conditions, an independent diggers union could improve things. Lots of problems and work, but probably not alot more than the work David has put into BAJR over the years. Keep it online and virtual. Maybe start with some kind of registration of interest form.
The diggers union could then establish a proper wage structure (say 20-30% increase) and keep an eye on health and safety and other dodgy practices. I know this is old ground, but wondered if anything had been done specifically for archaeological fieldworkers. If The Kids Are United and all that.
It takes a socialist kind of approach to become a proper capitalist nowadays, or is it the other way round?
I'm starting to think an improved situation in archaeology would be better than leaving now.