30th September 2013, 06:42 PM
Quote:Why should I be made to feel guilty that I am not out there giving up my 'free' time as a volunteer on some form of community excavation or similar? If some archaeologists want to give up their free time then fine, and I am all in favour of engaging the community in heritage-based projects, but don't expect us all to put archaeology ahead of family.
You should not... you do what you can and what you feel able to...
I for example spend every day at it. and give up about 7 days a month to volunteer ( including 4 afternoons at a Day CEntre... which I love ) I can... and I am glad I can... and so I do. It is down to that. if you can, and you like it... then do it... if you can't then no worries. it is just the way it is.. I do feel that companies and councils should allow for some pro-bono. as it will make them feel better, allow people to enjoy it more and make the profession more visible. I often chuckle when I go to meetings and people talk about giving up their time. --- however they are still beihng paid... as a self employed person I don't get paid. and I don't care... as the enjoyment is in teh doing.
HOWEVER> I also like to eat. and so don't do everything for free AND I am lucky/unlucky ( you decide) to have no kids... SO... no ties... and MAggie loves joining me on weekends and afternoons to do archaeology...
I can be both professional and vocational... and enjoy both