>Yes, it does happen, but I think you have to be a "go-getter." I worked for
>the American Indian Program at NMNH (SI) for free for a year, got a
>fellowship that paid very little and made myself invaluable in the meantime
>so that I got a one year term contract. Now, it was fortuitous that the
>position I got was vacated by a girl going back to grad school, but the long
>and the short of it is that I ended up with 2 1/2 years of valuable SI
>experience that has translated very well for me on the outside. Hired as an
>assistant curator at the National Firearms Museum over a year ago, I've since
>been promoted to the Project Manager for the building of a 10 million dollar
>museum. Like a sweepstakes, it can happen. PS: I am still paying off the
>federal and private loans I took out to afford being able to work for nothing
>to get that experience that allowed me to end up where I am (this is the
>house that Jack built...) and I don't think I'll ever get out of debt. But
>I'm "working in my field (sort of)" and currently getting paid for it (sort
>of) ;-).
>
>- Adrienne

:) That's what I meant when I tacked on that little ditty at the end. I
think we all go through some kind of private hell in the beginning of our
careers, but it's the dedication and desire to succeed that makes it all
worth while. Sorry to sound like a Hallmark card, but I've seen people
complain about the low wages or non-wages and not take a position or
complete a program because they thought it was inconvenient. As far as MY
mansion that "Jack built," we'll be paying off  my husband's mansion and my
annex for the collectible antique automobiles until OUR kids get to college
(we don't have any yet!). Still, I've been able to travel all over Europe on
projects (my expense and volunteer work) and got the education I thought I'd
need for a decent-paying job.

As my mom would say, "It just builds character."  (I wish there was a
smiley-face icon I could use for "crossed eyes." I'd use it at this point!)
But, you have to admit, we wouldn't do this if we didn't love it. I remember
telling some of my co-workers in archaeology that you HAVE to love it to
keep doing it (the rain, the heat, snowstorms in Wyoming) - there are better
ways to not starve.....

Amy