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I spent a glorious decade as a late-blooming archaeologist. In my 30s, after a string of soul-sucking jobs, I applied to UCLA's Anthropology Department as an undergraduate. I graduated with my M.A. in Archaeology at age 36.
It's almost impossible to make a living as a “shovel bum,” so I planned to get my Ph.D. and go into teaching. But a recession booted me back into corporate and my life careened down a different path. (Here’s the whole story if you’re curious.)
My most illuminating discovery—archaeology makes for a beautiful passion but a lousy career. It’s rife with academic politics and favoritism, and the demand to "publish or perish" can be depressingly tedious.
But fieldwork, that’s another story. It’s the thrill you feel when you imagine archaeology. Anyone can do fieldwork. Most digs are underfunded and will take volunteers who pay their way. Digital and satellite researchers also need help.
To celebrate International Archaeology Day, October 17, Later Bloomer features a few "everyday" people who've made contributions to archaeology and how you can join them!
Check it out on the blog. >>
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Hello, dear reader. I'm Debra Eve, proud late bloomer and possessor of many passions.