2006-12-26 07:45:06 · 12 answers · asked by abbey 1 in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
If making a good living is important and if you like keeping your nails clean then you should probably bark up another tree but if you are the academic type who is fascinated with things past and offering up theories on why western man prefers steak and lobster to the vegiterian diet of extinct species then by all means move on and into the wonderful world of archeology.
Architechture pays better though !
2006-12-26 09:47:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking to get rich and retire at the age of thirty, probably not. However, archeology is not something most people go into for the money. It takes many years to fully master is all and it takes a lot of hard work. If you are serious about archeology and you love history and travel and don't mind doing some research and writing a few papers and debating historical facts with you friends at dinner then this is probably the career for you. In the end it doesn't hurt to try it out and see what you think of it.
2006-12-26 16:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Archeology is a fascinating science which implyes a hell lot of effort, work, general knowledge and love for it. It's hardly 'a good profession' regarding money, but it is beautiful by itself although there is a long way to make it to the top and it usually doesn't bring fortune while doing it. In such science, wisdom and experience are the most appreciated, so it might be hard to find a job after all degrees accomplished. However, it requires studying for like a decade and it gives you an opportunity to point yourself up and to underline your abilities so organizations and institutions with a need for experts will gladly accept you.
2006-12-27 23:24:48 · answer #3 · answered by Dora 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you do it for love, not money.
if you have a passion for it, if you enjoy the work involved and the time that it consumes in your life then Archeology is for you.
But if Money is a huge concern look else where, unless you are really good at writing books.
I was getting in to archeology, almost had a degree, but money had to take precedence and I ended up getting a Degree in Hospitality Management (I know big difference), but I miss Archeology every day of my life.
Best of luck.
2006-12-26 17:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by Stone K 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Academia in general is difficult to get into, and I don't know anything really about archaeology at universities. However, I am a cultural resource management field archaeologist. In the US, if a building project is getting government money, or they want to keep up goodwill, they have to send in archaeologists to check the site first, just as they have to send in the wetlands guys. The builders contract out to cultural resource management firms, and they contract out temporary workers to do the actual fieldwork.
At my level, which is approximately in the basement, all you need is a bachelor's and field school. You go to a site like shovelbums.org or archaeologyfieldwork.com and apply for jobs. Most of the jobs are a week to a month or so, and it will be in the middle of nowhere (I hope you like dive bars). You drive out there, work, and then either find another job or go on another project with the company, if they have the work and they like you. You travel a lot, live in motel rooms, and develop a deep love for ramen and alcohol. You spend way too much time with a few people, and then leave them for a new group. It's sort of like college, but with money and dirt.
To be one of the people running the digs, you need a master's. PhDs aren't yet required unless you like college. You don't make a butt-ton of money- in fact, you'd do better waiting until the construction guys come along and asking if you could join their crew. They make twice as much and get health insurance. It's not too bad, though. You can expect anywhere from $9-14/hr, depending on experience and the part of the country. DC and the Southwest pay sh!t because there are lots of people who want to work there, for instance. Most digs you'll get a wonderful thing called "per diem", which means "wad o' cash to pay for food and liquor". It's usually somewhere around $25/working day, which adds up fast. The company will pay for the hotel, at least on working days.
It's a great job, if you're the right type, but you can burn out fast. Again, lots of traveling, lots of uncertainty, but you will keep running into the same people, which is nice. Plus, you automatically have the coolest job in the universe.
2006-12-26 15:08:34 · answer #5 · answered by random6x7 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Follow your heart no matter what.If you like archeology, then go for it.When you realize that 1/3 of of day you spend working,it is really imporatant that you don`t have a tedious job, but something that makes you happy.My advice is, don`t go into a job because of money or security, it won`t make you happy in the end.Choose something you like and you will be successful, you will see.Good luck!
2006-12-26 07:56:24 · answer #6 · answered by faro 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is probably exciting, but the soil has to become empty in a few decades, maybe even years. Then you won't have work at all, just because the ignorant people of the past weren't smart enough to put all of their belongings into the ground.
But, I do advise you not to think for a second about the money. They won't make you happy if you have a shitty job that you despise.
2006-12-26 10:22:24 · answer #7 · answered by eradicate 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NOOOO!!!!! I have a degree in anthropology, and one in psychology. I'm returning to Texas to work on an offshore rig, where I will make considerably more than my proffs starting out. Even with an advanced degree. Positions and opportunities are few. You had better have sterling grades, and publish as an undergrad. Get a BA instead. Your children won't starve.
2006-12-26 07:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I took one course and it was fascinating. You learn about many things that make you see life differently.
2006-12-26 07:49:32 · answer #9 · answered by nursienurse 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a very rewarding profession, but it will not make you rich.
2006-12-26 07:48:32 · answer #10 · answered by Hi y´all ! 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋