Tearing my hair out!

[kevin wooldridge]

Why yeeeees, i had thought about that.. I will have a look for some training. AutoCAD has a bad reputation then eh...!

There is nothing wrong with AutoCAD per se. Programme is expensive to buy and expensive to update. My problem with its use in archaeology is partly for those reasons, but also because there are more efficient and effective ways of linking graphics to the archaeological data those graphics represent. I get a bit pissed off with requests for me to supply files in CAD format (not difficult from most GIS programmes) whereas requests for data-linked graphics from CAD persons (i.e georeferenced shp files) meets with moans of displeasure...

[Callippides]

I wouldn't worry about the degree - gloss over it, put simply archaeology, the place and the dates, don't linger on it - we don't look at the degree, we look at the experience when looking at CVs, so make sure you specify on your CV the tasks you did, level of responsibility you might have had, any other added extras, even if all your experience so far is as a student on unpaid research digs. We need to get a view of whether we think a person can slot in on a commercial job - lack of previous commercial is an issue, but shouldn't ultimately prevent getting work if you also have the driving and CSCS and some added extras. If there's a local unit, pop in and see them- we get a lot of CVs, decisions need to be made about short term employment, and can be made for fairly spurious reasons if we don't have a 'feel' for the person. Also, make sure your mobile phone is always switched on!

Ultimately though, I would suggest time limiting the search - there aren't enough jobs out there and you have to eat and pay the bills. Even if you get a foot in the door, don't expect to be employed year round - you may only be paid for 6 months of the year, the rest on and off benefits. Ask yourself seriously whether you can conduct your life like that. Not trying to put a dampener, just being realistic.

Good luck!

[kevin wooldridge]

I work in a country (Norway) where the weather limits the amount of field work that can be done in any calendar year. Basically mid-November to March is written off apart from very exceptional circumstances. As a result field archaeologists have had to adapt to a situation where work cannot be guaranteed for a full 12 months of the year by acquiring additional skills that enable them to be employed in different capacities during the down time or quite often in different careers (locum teachers, care assistants, shop workers, bar and catering staff, cleaners, full time parents etc etc). I wonder why more UK archaeologists don't follow this route and maximise the amount of time they can spend as an archaeologist, but back it up with another profession to fill in down time. It may pay, as Callippedes suggests not to limit your ambitions merely to the field of archaeology....

[Bubo]

Yes thats true. I freelance too, in various pointless but paying and brain friendly roles. So thats not a problem. I also have a little online thing where I sell antique postcards, prints and photos, its pocket money, but oddly, seasonal (sept-april, still have not worked out why). I think my ideal plan (we shall see if it is possible) is to work commercially in arch, freelance as I am or temp, and raise enough to think about an ma in something usefulish, like GIS. I have not been able to find a course so far for this system which is not an MA. If anyone has any suggestions....

Also, Callipides, that was really very interesting to hear. I need to pop in to the offices and give them a CV and cover letter for some entry level positions. Big grin.