Wage Watchers: How much does a student earn at Colruyt?

What’s your line of work?
Right now, I’m studying. I’m in my second year of higher education, and I’m studying digital design and development in Kortrijk. I learn mostly design, working on short films, building websites, etc. With that, I can go in many directions, and I see it as work I can also do outside Belgium.

Besides my studies, I also have a holiday job as a clerk at Colruyt. My brother worked there for four years, so when he stopped, I took over his contract. This earns me some extra pocket money to go drinking and save a little.

Do you like your job?
It has its pros and cons, of course. It’s a variable job, that’s definitely a plus. The longer you work there, the more responsibility you get: cashier training, ordering goods, etc — that’s how you grow. The social contact with the customers at Colruyt is also very important for me. I wouldn’t like to do a job where I had little contact with other people.

Would you change jobs for more money?
If I got a holiday job that was in my field, then I wouldn’t hesitate.

What do you earn?
If I work a full month - like in July, for example - I earn €1,465 a month. My hourly wage is €9.66. I work Saturdays year-round, and I earn about €94 on those days.

What do you think of your salary?
It’s a decent wage for what I do. The job brings with it a good amount of responsibility, such as working with money.

How many hours per week do you work?
I work every Saturday from 10.00 to 20.00, with a hour's lunch break and a 15- minute break. In July, I work a full month.

Do you save money?
I try to put aside €40 or €50 every month.

What is your biggest expense?
My biggest expense is definitely my studies. My programme is not cheap: I need a laptop, software, etc.

What do you hate to spend money on?
On things like brand-name clothes and expensive mobile phones.

What do you like spending money on?
Going out and on travelling.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I’d go on a big trip and see every country that I’d like to see and think about where I could eventually go live.