6th September 2008, 12:45 PM
Shovelnomore, you've hit the nail on the head exactly! There are few professions that are comparable to the level of personal responsibility and general competencies in archaeology almost from the word go. If we were paid on a scale that accurately reflected these vis a vis other professions I do not think archaeology would be a viable industry.
A while back I went to a professional career advisor because I was curious how my job role measured up to other industries (as opposed to tea-time rumours). Nobody in that firm had ever come across an archaeologist before, so I probably got a lot more service than the usual client, as several advisors researched our profession for their own edifcation and they were pretty shocked. This was a large and well respected firm, with experience across most industries, which was why I chose them. It was not just the pay that upset them, but especially the poor employment practices in general applied to an exceptionally well qualified workforce where such a high level of autonomy was expected.
I think the heart of the problem might just lie in the high degree of autonomy. Archaeology attracts those who are often extemely capable, but for diveres reasons not able to fit in more closely defined job roles. We put up with crap because we're afraid that the jobs will disappear if we don't and for alot of us I suspect the job is worth more than a living wage.
That does NOT make poor pay and conditions right under any circumstances!!!! We can do a lot better than just a living wage by behaving more professionally as an industry and to stop being so apologetic about our job, especially at tendering level. I realise that our contribution is perhaps not as tangible as watermains, but it is important none the less and we really need to act on par with the rest of the development industry. (Oh, and contruction and engineering have RnD commitments too, and have to budget for that, so enough with the hand wringing!)
Apologies, sometimes I get a little frustrated at all the talking and then no action....
A while back I went to a professional career advisor because I was curious how my job role measured up to other industries (as opposed to tea-time rumours). Nobody in that firm had ever come across an archaeologist before, so I probably got a lot more service than the usual client, as several advisors researched our profession for their own edifcation and they were pretty shocked. This was a large and well respected firm, with experience across most industries, which was why I chose them. It was not just the pay that upset them, but especially the poor employment practices in general applied to an exceptionally well qualified workforce where such a high level of autonomy was expected.
I think the heart of the problem might just lie in the high degree of autonomy. Archaeology attracts those who are often extemely capable, but for diveres reasons not able to fit in more closely defined job roles. We put up with crap because we're afraid that the jobs will disappear if we don't and for alot of us I suspect the job is worth more than a living wage.
That does NOT make poor pay and conditions right under any circumstances!!!! We can do a lot better than just a living wage by behaving more professionally as an industry and to stop being so apologetic about our job, especially at tendering level. I realise that our contribution is perhaps not as tangible as watermains, but it is important none the less and we really need to act on par with the rest of the development industry. (Oh, and contruction and engineering have RnD commitments too, and have to budget for that, so enough with the hand wringing!)
Apologies, sometimes I get a little frustrated at all the talking and then no action....