By: Morty

Tori 2 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

@Pete

Jaded is an understatement for you, hun.

You really need to put your emotions aside and let those of us who have a passion for this career make it known to all that, although this is a very tenuous job, it has an amazing impression on your life. Though as a “man” you are expected by society to be responsible and provide for your family, a wife, who of all people should know you inside and out should understand that this is a CAREER not a job. A career is something you love and something that makes you happy, it is something that may take time out of your day but it is something that is there to help all of us really understand why we were put on this earth. For some their career is taking care of their family and for others it is being passionate and enthusiastic about archeology and anthropology.

For this career you really need to know your stuff. A bachelors is not going to get you anywhere. As for me, I got my PHD and am working at a university and absolutely loving every second of it.

Archeology, anthropology and anything in the social sciences are going to need for you to get a much higher education and so be ready to become a life long student, and make sure you love what you are working to become. ... See all content Hide content

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Pete Peters 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’m young. I’m jaded because of my surroundings and the others around me. I have time to get out and I plan to.

Charlie, you should go speak to professionals and professors about archaeology because, no offense, it sounds like you don’t have a clue what it entails or what the point of it is. It’s not about exploiting past people and cultures. You have the same view I had when I started college ‘oo, it’s neat, I love the history channel.” Do your research before you waste a bunch of money. Your response is very naive and your plan, frankly, is unrealistic. If you aren’t working in CRM or for a university there is no money for this stuff. ... See all content Hide content

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Charlie 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’m 45 years old and stuck in a job I hate. In fact, I would rather step on a rusty nail than go to work most days… So I have started on a master’s in archaeology and plan to do my own thing when the degree is finished…

I have a bit of experience in video so I plan to produce my own video series about archaeology offer “heritage tourism” tours. No need to get stuck in a pit digging up old arrowheads or projectile points, or fumbling through mountains of data input worksheets or teaching at the local university for me. To me, archaeology is so much more.

Think outside the “pit” and don’t let the traditional view of the archaeologist get you down, brothers…. ... See all content Hide content

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dannyb278 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

First, the pay isnt that bad in the private sector if you are serious about your job. Most Principal Investigators (project planners, M.A. required), make in the high 40’s-50’s per year with 1-3 years of experiance as a P.I. . More than most highschool teachers make in my area. Overtime is huge, and i made nearly the same amount of money from May-Nov, as i would working 40 hours a week year around and i now have winter off.

As for time, my job is unique as i travel to projects accross the country, usualy being gone on a session for 12-17 days, and then home for 7, with winters off. thats the reality of my job. If you work full time for one forest, you dont travel at all, and you go home every night. If you work for a private sector firm, you are more than likely working in a more specific area (midwest) , and my experiance with work days have been 10 on with 4 days off.

Pete= If you are still a field tech at 45 your doing something wrong. Most people that succeed in this buisness are in leadership positions by the time you are in you early 30’s. The higher position you attain, it seems the less travel you do. Working for the federal government, i have a pretty good retirement package, great benifits and ample vaction time. Although i travel a lot, my wife understands that this is my job. Coming from the military, where i was gone from 6 months to a year, two weeks is hardly that bad.

It’s plain to see that this job isnt for everybody, as many people leave the industry with a bitter taste in their mouth. Anyone who goes into this job with just a bachelors degree and no asperations for a M.A. is likely to hit the glass ceiling pretty quick, and thus burn out on fieldwork.

To me this work is more fullfilling than the time i spent in “The Office” like work conditions that prevail in todays society. If cubicle life makes you happy, than this probably isnt the right job for you. Keep your cubicle and “Dilbert” strips pinned to its wall. I’ll take my fieldpack and trowel any day. ... See all content Hide content

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Mason 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

@Pete Peters: I came to realization you spoke of before my twin daughters were born. I left archaeology after nearly 12 years (before I got bitter) and became a teacher (public school science). In my limited experience that is probably the best job a married man with children (he plans on devoting time to) can choose. I did have my fun before that and it enriched my life. I draw on those experiences to teach my students. The only dirt I shovel nowadays is when I’m doing yardwork or building a playhouse for my girls, but I still love archaeology. ... See all content Hide content

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Pete Peters 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’m an archaeologist working for a state historic preservation office. Having dealt with both public and private sector archaeologists I can’t stress enough how terrible a career it is.

Private industry: low pay, back breaking labor, slim on benefits, general lack of professionalism. It’s supposed to be research that’s carried out but it’s really just going to a new spot and digging some holes.

Public sector: low pay, boring office work. Constant frustration with the private sector archaeologists.

Unless you manage to get a steady job that doesn’t require travel you will not be able to set down roots anywhere. Good luck dating anyone, starting a family, home, etc. Sure it can be done but how much time will you spend out on the road or sleeping in motels?

You are much better off if you can nab a state or federal position but most archaeology jobs are either associated with educational institutions (better aim for that phd) or private companies.

Archaeology looks like fun but as a career it blows. ... See all content Hide content

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dannyb278 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Brian, check out “avue digital services” for archaeology jobs within the Forest Service and check google “usajobs.gov” for all governent agencies. It is the best place to find federal employement, with the Fed still actively hiring field techs.

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Mason 2 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

The interview summed it up pretty good. Eventhough the pay is not that great (one of the lowest relative to amount of education required) and you do spend a lot of time away from home, it is a wonderful job. You meet cool people, see neat places, and end up with all sorts of stories to tell. You really need to have a masters degree to make any headway. Once you do have it all sorts of doors open up . Like Dan said in the interview, you have to make yourself stand out. Find a skill that few people can do well and that is extremely useful. I specialized in zooarchaeology and it helped me a lot. ... See all content Hide content

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tobyhowl 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Twitter

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All In One Information » So You Want My Job: Archaeologist | The Art of Manliness 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

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Ryan 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Thanks for the article, the experiences are equal to what mine where in the field. Got as far a shovel bum with degree, but later switched up for pure history since the classroom is what I found I loved the most. Still watch Indy yearly – he got me early into a love for history and archaeology.

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Mike at The Big Stick 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Give the guy a break. He was probably speaking for laymen. You say projectile point and most people’s eyes glaze over. That’s why i always enjoyed historical archaeology better. A nail is always a nail.

Interesting interview. My 4 years in the field were fantastic, but the money was never there and I couldn’t stand all the time away from the family. I miss it but I love my paychecks now. ... See all content Hide content

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Stephen 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Hafted biface?

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