Wage watchers: how much does a parliamentary assistant earn?

Stéphanie Thybaert, 23, from Adinkerke, West Flanders, talks about what she earns and how she spends it.

What do you do for a living?

I work for Ann Vanheste, federal MP for the Flemish labour party (SP.A). My job as parliamentary assistant is highly varied. It involves organising meetings and taking minutes, as well as policy-driven research work and helping out where required.

Do you enjoy your work?

This is my first job since I graduated, and not a day goes by where I don’t learn something. It is clearly not a nine-to-five job, but then again I knew that before I began. Furthermore, I have already met many fascinating people through my work. 

What do you think of your salary?

For a first job, I would describe my salary (€1,468 per month plus hospitalisation insurance) as adequate, and the fact that there is room for promotion is an advantage. I learn an awful lot about so many things. It is important for me not to be a narrow-minded jobsworth, and instead to broaden my horizons. Instead of a higher salary I have no tuition fees!

Would you look elsewhere if the money was better?

I promised Ann Vanheste that I would serve the whole four-year parliamentary term. I’m a woman of my word and I think loyalty is extremely important.

What does the biggest part of your salary go towards?

The mortgage that my partner and I took out. But rather that than throwing rent money away.

What do you gladly pay for?

Making someone else happy. I am pretty thrifty towards myself, but if I can afford to make someone else happy then I will do everything I can.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

First and foremost I’d have to see how much I’d won, but I take it that we are talking about an obscene amount. I would put half of it in a savings account, and with the other half I would buy a dream car for my partner and make sure that my family had everything they needed.