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teaching English at Brussels language schools (pay)
Hello expats,
Are there any freelance language teacher out there that can advise me on how to maximize my earnings?
I've just started teaching English at two well-known language schools in Brussels. I currently work through the Smart system (so I'm technically an employee of Smart), but since getting the shocking revelation of how little I'm earning net, I wonder if it's better for me to work as an independent. However, that too has it's own problems. I currently get paid 25 euros gross.
Any advice from fellow freelance language teachers? How much do you earn per month once the tax man's been paid?
Thank you!
I've done the freelance English teaching when I started out in Belgium a while back. I must say it's a lot of work for little pay. To begin with I was on between €18 - €24 per hour. To get a net salary of around €1500 / month I was teaching 40 hours per week.I did not go via the smart system. When I fully understood the extent of the tax as a free lancer I threw in the towel . Yes you can deduce expenses from your taxes but it's hard to make a decent living.
I only know of one organisation in Brussels where freelance teachers earn a decent amount that's the British Council. If I remember correctly, hourly rate is around 30 - 40 € per hour dependant on experience.
I get the impression, to get by decently as a freelancer in Belgium, you need to be making around €40+ / per hour.
