14th March 2007, 11:04 AM
You are not comparing eggs with eggs.
Median earnings figures include all age ranges, including those just starting their working lives and those at their maximum earning capacity (generally in the late 40s/early 50s). What is the equivalent median for all archaeologists, which would be a better comparison? Comparing the wage aspirations of someone in their first job still learning the trade with no supervisory responsibilities with someone of 15 years or more experience is unhelpful.
Poverty is indeed relative, but how many archaeologists at 'digger' grade can't afford their fags and beer, which were not high on the on the list of subsistence items last time I looked. Personally as an observer, I think the real financial squeeze is currently on the next grades up, those who have settled in one place, got a secure job with a company and taken on eg mortgage or permanent rent, maybe looking to start a family, get a pension etc without the benefit of regular subs as a cash injection and free accomm.
Median earnings figures include all age ranges, including those just starting their working lives and those at their maximum earning capacity (generally in the late 40s/early 50s). What is the equivalent median for all archaeologists, which would be a better comparison? Comparing the wage aspirations of someone in their first job still learning the trade with no supervisory responsibilities with someone of 15 years or more experience is unhelpful.
Poverty is indeed relative, but how many archaeologists at 'digger' grade can't afford their fags and beer, which were not high on the on the list of subsistence items last time I looked. Personally as an observer, I think the real financial squeeze is currently on the next grades up, those who have settled in one place, got a secure job with a company and taken on eg mortgage or permanent rent, maybe looking to start a family, get a pension etc without the benefit of regular subs as a cash injection and free accomm.