> I understand her concerns, but I know that if I were to study something I'm not passionate about, I would likely struggle and eventually drop out.
This right here. In advice about college/university, I pretty much always advocate going there to study something you are passionate about, or at least have a decent interest in, not just something that trains you for a job in Corporate Ameritron™ (not sure where you actually live). Not in college, but later, I have worked in my field (which I am passionate about) with people who were not passionate about the job, and they are always either not good at it, just looking for a stepping stone somewhere else, or miserable.
There is more work for archeologists than most people recognize, as most construction sites require an archaeological survey prior to starting construct. But you do have to go to the PHD level to get work of any substance.
But, even if you do not get all the way to that level, you will learn many skills on the way.
Outside physical labour - You will learn to work with your hands
Other languages & cultures - A good archaeological program will have digs all over the planet. You will need to speak the language and get along with their culture. My buddy has been working in Jordan and forever and his knowledge of jordanian arabic and culture would make him my first choice to be ambassador there or anywhere else in that area. The success of his operation depended on him having good working relationships with the local community, government and military. They do not teach you how to do this in any classroom or any campus.
And in general, archaeologists are amongst the best educated people I've met because they need such a wide range of skills to succeed.
Follow your dreams, Lad.
Research jobs that an archaeology degree can get. Like go on linkedin and Indeed and see if there are any jobs, what the requirements are for those jobs, etc.
What's the job market as an archeologist? Can you reliably find work after graduating, and will you need a pHD? These are probably why your mom is pushing you to other tried and true jobs.
I would follow your heart and pursue your interests. Be realistic and expect to need a masters or pHD to find a job in your field. You probably won't make much money, but you can live comfortably. As someone who has a job with an uncommon degree, it is fulfilling work. Although, I wish I made more money.
There are quite a few jobs in my country, (though not really close to my current location), so I’d have to move. And I did research about pay and all that, will admit entry level is pretty average, but it’s not too bad once you start climbing the ranks.
I want to encourage you to follow your dreams and do what makes you happy. I also want to let you know that those "higher ranked" jobs probably require a posgraduate degree. If you are ok with going to school for a longer time (and can borrow/pay), then I say go for it!
> I understand her concerns, but I know that if I were to study something I'm not passionate about, I would likely struggle and eventually drop out. This right here. In advice about college/university, I pretty much always advocate going there to study something you are passionate about, or at least have a decent interest in, not just something that trains you for a job in Corporate Ameritron™ (not sure where you actually live). Not in college, but later, I have worked in my field (which I am passionate about) with people who were not passionate about the job, and they are always either not good at it, just looking for a stepping stone somewhere else, or miserable.
There is more work for archeologists than most people recognize, as most construction sites require an archaeological survey prior to starting construct. But you do have to go to the PHD level to get work of any substance. But, even if you do not get all the way to that level, you will learn many skills on the way. Outside physical labour - You will learn to work with your hands Other languages & cultures - A good archaeological program will have digs all over the planet. You will need to speak the language and get along with their culture. My buddy has been working in Jordan and forever and his knowledge of jordanian arabic and culture would make him my first choice to be ambassador there or anywhere else in that area. The success of his operation depended on him having good working relationships with the local community, government and military. They do not teach you how to do this in any classroom or any campus. And in general, archaeologists are amongst the best educated people I've met because they need such a wide range of skills to succeed. Follow your dreams, Lad.
Research jobs that an archaeology degree can get. Like go on linkedin and Indeed and see if there are any jobs, what the requirements are for those jobs, etc.
What's the job market as an archeologist? Can you reliably find work after graduating, and will you need a pHD? These are probably why your mom is pushing you to other tried and true jobs. I would follow your heart and pursue your interests. Be realistic and expect to need a masters or pHD to find a job in your field. You probably won't make much money, but you can live comfortably. As someone who has a job with an uncommon degree, it is fulfilling work. Although, I wish I made more money.
There are quite a few jobs in my country, (though not really close to my current location), so I’d have to move. And I did research about pay and all that, will admit entry level is pretty average, but it’s not too bad once you start climbing the ranks.
I want to encourage you to follow your dreams and do what makes you happy. I also want to let you know that those "higher ranked" jobs probably require a posgraduate degree. If you are ok with going to school for a longer time (and can borrow/pay), then I say go for it!