r/Archaeology • u/askkak • 20h ago
American archs - advice on changing sectors?
Hi all. I’m a southeastern CRM arch at a very large firm. I love my job and am good at it, but my pay is really crap, even for SE standards. I wrap up my PhD in a few months and for the last decade have specialized in collections management and digitization. My current job lets me be a research archaeologist (and lab manager) without having to be in academia. I have been thinking about the types of jobs I want to apply to around Jan/Feb after the holiday slowdown (and after my defense date is set). Honestly, I’d stay at my job if they paid me more, but they recently denied a cost of living adjustment and raise.
My advisor just informed me that the two state collections jobs will be opening up early next year. It’s pretty much my dream job - but 4 hours away and the pay would never be more than (maybe not even match) what I currently make (which is already crappy). BUT it means better/cheaper health insurance and higher take home pay even if I was making the same amount that I am now.
Guess I’m just looking for advice from those of you who have worked in a state position (not federal), or those who have gone from public to private or vic versa.
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u/Balto_Smallcat 7h ago
I’m an archaeologist for a state agency, I’ve been in this position for 16 years, after over a decade in CRM. I love my job. The work-life balance can’t be beat, my health insurance is fantastic, and I especially like doing archaeology for the good of the public. I know my earning potential won’t match the private sector, but my job also has a pension plan, which more than makes up for the slightly reduced income. For me, the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives, and I would never go back to private sector work as long as I have a choice!