27th August 2012, 08:40 PM
I think that this does reflect the generational conflict we have in archaeology with the majority of those who were instrumental in creating the situation as it is today now holding senior positions and to a certain extent they have pulled the ladder up after them. Then they talk down to the next generation about how they had it so tough - maybe an anecdote about how we should be grateful we have a rancid b & b and only 5 days a week as they all lived in a tent/septic tank/derelict building and were grateful for it..... then in the next breath say they have been running sites since they left uni and have had a permanent job for 30years!
And there are problems for every stage of your life, no matter what choices you make and at what point you settle down, have a family, buy a house or anything else. But the choice of job shouldn't prevent you doing this. I love what I do but I hate the choices I have made because of it - I am not yet there but i'm also not a mile away from the 35 cut off and I don't know how much longer I can stay. I have ten years in the field and no kids, no morgage, no stability............. and is it worth it?
And there are problems for every stage of your life, no matter what choices you make and at what point you settle down, have a family, buy a house or anything else. But the choice of job shouldn't prevent you doing this. I love what I do but I hate the choices I have made because of it - I am not yet there but i'm also not a mile away from the 35 cut off and I don't know how much longer I can stay. I have ten years in the field and no kids, no morgage, no stability............. and is it worth it?