15th March 2007, 04:36 PM
Just to clarify, I was talking about personal experience of unit directors I have worked for. I am very well aware that the sort of example I gave is not universally applicable, but there are still people like that in archaeology, and I've had the misfortune to work for a few. I know I personally don't have the skill or temperament to run a company, and am well aware the renumeration on offer to those who do is not commensurate with the time, effort and ability required.
My main point is that diggers are not on a wage which allows the purchase of certain things many would deem essential, while those higher up (though still underpaid) can. There is a 'them and us' gap between 'field workers' and 'office workers' of higher grades, both in wages which are over the level needed to pay for the essentials of life in Britain today, and in security of position.
In the current state of archaeology this gap is very hard to bridge, and in my experience is usually only achieved by those lucky enough to have worked in the field consistently for the same unit for several years and moving up to fill 'dead man's shoes'. That's another issue though.
My main point is that diggers are not on a wage which allows the purchase of certain things many would deem essential, while those higher up (though still underpaid) can. There is a 'them and us' gap between 'field workers' and 'office workers' of higher grades, both in wages which are over the level needed to pay for the essentials of life in Britain today, and in security of position.
In the current state of archaeology this gap is very hard to bridge, and in my experience is usually only achieved by those lucky enough to have worked in the field consistently for the same unit for several years and moving up to fill 'dead man's shoes'. That's another issue though.