What are the positive and negative things about being an archaeologist?

Negatives

* If you work in the field, you may end up crippled by the time you are 30 from heavy lifting, hard physical work and being out in all weathers. * For a job which requires a degree, in many cases it does not offer a great rate of pay. * The job market is often unstable, and much of the work is seasonal. * There are limited research grants compared to many other areas such as natural sciences. * You have to go to school for a LONG time. Positives * If you're an archaeologist, you'll certainly be doing it for the love of the job and will not be deterred by any of the above. * You will be able to converse with strangers at dinner parties with ease. Everyone is interested in your job. * You get to be the first person to see an artifact left behind by another human being possibly thousands and thousands of years ago.

* Your work is relevant to everyone, the human past is everyone's past. * Although Indiana Jones is just a film, excavation adventures can be pretty unique. * You may also get to travel the world.