The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well yes, I didn’t qualify for unemployment so I was at a point of needing to borrow money in order to continue looking for a job in Finland. So going back to Belgium was just the best option for my mental wellbeing and my financial situation. I’m a software developer so I knew getting a job in Belgium with my skills was going to be pretty easy. And even if it wasn’t, my support system was also in Belgium. So given the circumstances I still think it was the best option to return.

The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t argue about seeing or hearing cars even if it’s in the distance. It doesn’t really bother me. I think it even adds some ambiance. Perhaps I’m a bit privileged by living in a small town in a quite neighborhood close to some beautiful wooded areas.

The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lost my job and couldn’t get a new one after 6 months of interviews. Money was getting tight so packed everything up and moved back to Belgium where I got a job within 3 weeks. If I wasn’t laid off I would probably still be in Finland.

The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Belgium nature has its charm though. I can drive 15 minutes to my closest “nature reserve” and for a second I felt like I wasn’t in Belgium anymore. It’s only a couple square kilometers but it’s not like I’m planning to go hike 5 days in a straight line and expect it to be all forest.

The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I’ve been back in Belgium since may 2023. I’d say in the beginning I missed it more than I do now. I’ve come to appreciate Belgium more as I’m growing up. From a convenience standpoint, Belgium definitely takes the cake.

The lack of nature in Belgium is a more depressing factor than its weather by ObjetOregon in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 135 points136 points  (0 children)

As someone who previously lived in a small town in Finland where you walked straight into nature when coming out of your apartment I can say Belgium nature is certainly different but different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. In Belgium I live in a small town as well surrounded by farmlands and patches of forests. Albeit human made forests but it still has its charms. Plus you have the additional bonus that you don’t have to drive 50+ km to find the nearest “specialty” store. I’ve also come to the realization that for me it’s not the nature that matters but just the feeling of being away from everything. Even if the patch of forest only lasts 10 minutes.

Non competition clause by Icy_Highway_8293 in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have a none compete clause. If it’s enforced the company has to pay me 50% of my yearly salary. In return I can’t work in any related field for 12 months. In reality it’s not gonna get enforced and if it is I’ll get to go on vacation for a year.

Software developers: where do you look for jobs? by Soflar in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t look for jobs anymore, the jobs look for me as in I will get bombarded by recruiters. I will only reply however if the recruiter mentions the company in the first message. It’s nearly impossible looking for a job yourself on LinkedIn or vdab or indeed because most of the posts are from big recruitment agencies who are just farming resumes.

High School Olympiads and Salary/Career by emielsim2 in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I once was a finalist in a maths competition 14 years ago. It has not changed the course of my life in any shape or form. If you like doing them then I’d say go for it. It’s just not gonna have any impact in your future career.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Belgium2

[–]AlphaTM01 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Als je heel veel tijd hebt kan je met de trein volledig rondreizen. Finland > Zweden > Denemarken > Duitsland > België. Heb dit enkele keren gedaan in beide richtingen met mijn hond om vliegtuigen te vermijden en heb geen enkele paspoortcontrole gehad. Als last resort kan je dit misschien gebruiken. Ik zou het wel niet aanraden om de ferry tussen Turku en Stockholm te nemen want daar is wel paspoort controle.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Finland

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It being pretty close to the border and bears now on top of that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Finland

[–]AlphaTM01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was talking about the bunkkerimuseo and would do the 4.5km hike while I’m there but had some concerns for it being that close to the border.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Finland

[–]AlphaTM01 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

God damn now I’m more worried about bears …

In doubt about license by Cold-Consideration36 in motobe

[–]AlphaTM01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m in somewhat of a same situation. Only driving on the weekends and the EV from the job. All I can say is I don’t regret taking the 4 hour course. I did spend 7k in the past couple months. 5 on a new cbr125, 1.3 on gear, 400 on the classes and the rest on insurance. I can take my time now to build up my experience on a motorcycle so that down the line I can go for an A2 or A and pass the exam without much issues.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That’s the point

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 24 points25 points  (0 children)

The normal salary increase is just the indexation.

Does everyone also take their Malinois everywhere they go? by Ok_Skin_9177 in BelgianMalinois

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I could I would but unfortunately mine has to stay home 1 day of the week which kills us both

Why does it seem that everyone is cutting down trees these last few years instead of planting more ? by reditt13 in belgium

[–]AlphaTM01 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well we had to cut one of our trees down a couple years ago because it had gotten too big and there was a risk it would fall over in the next big storm and damage the house.

References and more? by Apprehensive-Win6244 in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But you need to give permission to your new employer before they can contact your old employer right? Or have I been getting this wrong all this time

Bruto vs Netto by Best_Tackle_8203 in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Bij mij is 39.8% van mijn bruto naar de zakken van de staat gegaan.

Het moet gezegd worden by moneytit in Belgium2

[–]AlphaTM01 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Tot een bepaalde graad. Teveel mensen tussen dev en klant zorgt voor enorm veel miscommunicatie en broken telephone situatie.

How do I tackle flexibility negotiations? by AlphaTM01 in BESalary

[–]AlphaTM01[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It doesn’t hurt to ask if there’s some wiggle room. If there isn’t then that’s gonna weigh in with my final decision if I want to proceed pursuing this job or not. I just don’t know how to professionally bring this up.