To all the European conservators: how many of you are currently looking for work and struggling to find positions that actually pay a living wage?
I recently returned from the US and, despite having completed fellowships at renowned institutions and having a scientific background, I’m honestly shocked by the job market here. There are very few positions to begin with, and some of them pay around €2k net per month, which feels extremely low considering the level of specialization and education required. I even came across one posting where the salary was roughly the same as for the institution’s cleaning staff.
It’s making me seriously question the future of the profession. A friend of mine has been out of work for almost two years now, and I’m starting to wonder whether this experience is becoming common across Europe.
I’d really like to hear from others:
Has your experience been similar?
Are there certain countries or sectors where the situation is better?
Have any of you successfully transitioned into adjacent fields?
And for those who stayed in conservation: what helped you build a stable career?
At this point, I’m honestly considering leaving the profession altogether, which is heartbreaking after investing so many years into it.