We asked Lesley, 24, from Hoogstraten how much she earns and how she spends it
– What do you do and how much do you earn?
– Last summer, I worked at a temp agency in a student job. I was an administrative assistant and it was my job to support the permanent staff with filing, planning and scheduling, answering phones and emails. I also was allowed to look for suitable candidates to fill vacancies. My pay was €1,500 after taxes.
– Did you like your job?
– It was perfect for a student job. As a permanent position, it wouldn’t be for me. But that might be because it’s very slow during the summertime, so the days could be very long.
– What did you think of the pay?
– Pretty good. Since you don’t have to pay much social security as a student, I made an average rate.
– How many hours a week did you work?
– I worked 40 hours per week.
– Do you save money?
– I always try to save part of my salary, but I spend the larger portion on holidays. So it’s really holiday work in the most literal sense!
– What is your biggest cost?
– City trips, going out to eat, clothes, partying… I’m a real bon vivant.
– What do you hate spending money on?
– Expensive phones really don’t speak to me. In comparison to what I earn as a student, I find an iPhone, for instance, way too expensive. I’d much rather spend that money on travel.
– What do you like spending money on?
– Traveling, eating and clothes.
– What would you do if you won the lottery?
– No question, I’d travel around the world.
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