Thinking of pursuing archaeology / questions for those involved
Apologies if this has been discussed in great detail being an Indiana Jones forum, but I searched through threads and couldn't find anything that answered my questions. Maybe there are some lurking here I can ask. I wanted to ask for myself and others who have considered archaeology as a career...
First a bit of my background: Like many, Indy had something to do with this interest but I understand that most of the work isn't romantic and requires patience. I'm 29 years old and dropped out of college when I was 20. I spent the last 9 years in the film industry (experience: carpentry, budgeting, videography, some grantwriting, lots of outdoor physical work, travel). As I've grown older, I've become burned out with my current career so I'm looking into going back to school. As of now, for archaeology. I've been interested in the subject for quite some time but never thought of it as a career until recently.
So far, I have yet to find any one in real life who is an archaeologist or anyone who knows one I can talk to. Anyway...
1. Thoughts on pursuing archaeology at 30? If most of us seem to support a 80 year old Harrison doing an Indy film, then surely 30 isn't too old to pursue this career in real life, right?
2. How much of this career is freelance? What's the job market like for full time / part time?
3. What kind of courses should one expect to take / should take while studying? In your experience, did any of the classes seem irrelevant to archaeology but required all the same?
4. What is the "scene" like for the most part? Big egos? Laidback? Humorous? Fast-paced, slow-paced?
5. Any recommended universities US or abroad?
6. Is it a good job for introverts? As I've approached 30, I seem to be more reclusive and a day job that supports this is a plus. I know there are team-oriented aspects to archaeology but from what I've read it seems doable for me. In film, it's team oriented but too loud and frantic for my liking.
Big thanks!