22nd August 2011, 01:14 PM
Illuminated - yes your are absolutely right! There is very little job security in digging, which makes life very difficult. I (and lots of my co-workers) were pretty much nomadic whilst working the circuit.
Not the only profession like that though, and that kind of life is definitely not for everyone.
I only achieved partial job security through years on the circuit, being a pest and a bit of being in the right place at the right time. Can't see that changing in the future though as its linked to how the construction industry works - job-based contracts, competitive tendering, unpredictable start and finish dates, random on site changes/decisions and how much the industry is linked to the economy.
Unless an archaeological unit is very small or has a long list of guaranteed money-making projects, it is entirely dependent on the whims of the construction industry. In such a situation its difficult for a company to keep a large staff and survive hiccups like foot and mouth or the credit crunch.
No real help there I'm afraid, just stating what I have seen.
Not the only profession like that though, and that kind of life is definitely not for everyone.
I only achieved partial job security through years on the circuit, being a pest and a bit of being in the right place at the right time. Can't see that changing in the future though as its linked to how the construction industry works - job-based contracts, competitive tendering, unpredictable start and finish dates, random on site changes/decisions and how much the industry is linked to the economy.
Unless an archaeological unit is very small or has a long list of guaranteed money-making projects, it is entirely dependent on the whims of the construction industry. In such a situation its difficult for a company to keep a large staff and survive hiccups like foot and mouth or the credit crunch.
No real help there I'm afraid, just stating what I have seen.