Wage watchers: how much does a communications officer earn?

Communications officer Nena Baeyens, 28, from Ghent talks about what she earns and how she spends it.

What do you do for a living?

I work for Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA). We have a quarterly magazine and a website, but we also organise cookery workshops, gastronomic dinners and consultancies for chefs and large kitchens. As communications officer I write for all our publications, as well as the press releases and the promotional campaigns for our events, such as Thursday Veggie Day.

Do you enjoy your work?

Yes. I’m a vegetarian myself, and I totally support EVA’s mission.

What do you think of your salary?

Because we’re a non-profit organisation, my salary isn’t high. I take home €1,440 a month (plus lunch vouchers and cycling incentive). But I like to feel that I can help make a difference.

What does the biggest part of your salary go towards?

Our mortgage and the food bill. My boyfriend and I find it important to eat well and healthily. 

What do you gladly pay for?

Travelling, concerts and fine dinners. Ghent is the place in Belgium for good vegetarian food. We also don’t mind spending good money on food on our city breaks either. Berlin, for example, is great for good veggie food. And in America, as a vegetarian it’s great to travel around.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

If we’re talking about a lot of money, then I would go on a long journey around the world and maybe keep working part-time, unpaid, for EVA. And if there’s any money left then I’d buy a villa somewhere sunny. I don’t really like Belgian winters; I’d love to be able to escape somewhere warmer.

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