27th July 2013, 08:51 PM
I was made redundant at the end of 2008. Got a short (2 month) contract in April 2009, then nothing at all. I got a job in Jan 2010, not in archaeology, but it is archiving so my experience in archaeology was regarded as relevant. It's a permanent, pensionable (sorry Unit!), and safe job. I've had regular small pay increases and a promotion so I now get paid much more than I would in archaeology. The downside is that it is totally boring. I go on volunteer digs when I can, just to keep my eye in. I'd chuck the job in instantly if a permanent archaeology job came up, even with a big drop in pay, but I can't bear the heartache and financial loss involved in short-term contracts and then having nothing.