My job in Belgium: How much does an apprentice lawyer earn?

What is your job?
I am in my third year as an apprentice lawyer. Once I finished my studies and became a member of a Balie (bar), I have to first complete three years as an apprentice. I am actually self-employed but I get paid a "service salary" from my mentor. So I get the chance to actually learn the work of a lawyer. I work under a sort of learning contract.

Do you like your job?
I like my job, especially as I can be self-employed. I also love the flexibility because I never know in advance how my day is going to pan out. Unexpected cases come up regularly that I must attend to immediately. I have a good apprentice teacher and he gives me the freedom to fill in my agenda as I see fit.

What do you think of your salary? 
I can live perfectly well on my monthly wage (€1,900 gross, €1,400 net). Everyone who has studied to a high level hopes to start at the top salary. I understand that, but I quickly learned that that was not possible. In this job experience comes first. To be honest, I don't find salary to be that important. I'm happy to have a job I like in a practice where I feel good.

How many hours a week do you work?
That varies. People in my position work more hours than an average full-time employee. In busy periods you can't expect to clock off at 18.00 in the evening and go home. I often find myself at work at 20.00 in the evening. 
 
Do you save? 
My boyfriend and I each try to save €500 per month and outside of that we also save for our pensions. At the moment we live in an apartment that we bought but we're saving to buy a bigger house in a few years.

What is your biggest expense?
Every month the car costs money to run. After that the monthly costs of the apartment eat up a big part of our budget.  

What can you absolutely not spend money on? 
I see absolutely no value in expensive electrical gadgets, visiting extremely expensive restaurants or designer clothes. But maybe I'll change my mind about that later.

What do you gladly spend money on?
I'm happy to spend money on nice holidays, necessary gadgets and our new-born baby.

What would you do if you won the lottery? 
I would still keep my job. I can't see myself, at my age, sitting at home enjoying my lavish life. First I would buy a house, go on a nice holiday and save a big chunk to spend on future expenses.