My job in Belgium: How much does a police logistical officer earn?

What is your job?
I work for the Brussels local police, specifically for the logistics and the administration department. Among other things, this includes staffing issues, weapons management and training, stamping of service sheets, management of holidays and sick leave and other administrative tasks.

Do you like your job?
Yes, before I worked for 12 years with the justice department, also in administration. I switched over for the salary (€2,944 gross, €1,992 net) and because it was time for a new career move. The police work closely with the justice department, so the job was not new to me and I knew that the content and the sector would suit me. It was an obvious choice.

Would you change your work for a higher salary?
Difficult question. There are many factors to consider. If I got the chance to earn three times as much in China, I would not change jobs. If the environment and situation are not in the game, I think most people would say yes.

What do you earn exactly?
Net I earn €1,992. I also get free train travel and my employer pays my hospitalisation insurance.

What do you think of your salary?
It's about right. I am very satisfied with it.

How many hours do you work per week?
38 hours, full-time, spread over four days, because on Wednesday I am at home with my three children.

Do you save?
Yes, we save around €100 per month from the family budget.

What is your biggest expense?
The house. We built it in 2012, so the repayments cost a lot.

What can you definitely not spend money on?
Excessive luxury, like luxury cars, I go for the middle range. Travelling does not have to cost too much, I do not necessarily need to go to Thailand or Bali (if I could do that, then of course I would). Branded clothes is absolutely not necessary, also there the middle range is good enough: C&A, JBC and DOD for the children.

What do you gladly spend money on?
Everything to do with the children. Toys, books, trips…

What would you do it you won the lottery?
Investing in my side project, STISA (which stands for Stijn and Isabel, my sister). We donate toys to the university hospital UZ Brussel for children with cancer. We began doing that five years ago. Since then a number of famous Flemish people have already joined the project. Slowly but surely it is starting to grow.