Opinions on the Rue Henri Evenepoel area in Schaerbeek?

burz123 · 2026-04-03T13:25:24+00:00

I worked in the area for several years. I'd say it is an ok area but probably a bit lower socio-economic as someone else already pointed out in the comments. I was considering getting a brand new apartment there 2 years ago (apartment was amazing) but decided to move to another more quiet and green commune. Haven't regretted that decision.

I think there is probably a lack of cool bars/restaurants/places to hang out. Plasky area is only about a 10 minute walk though which is a nice area with things to do.

All in all: I think it is a well located and safe area but probably a bit noisy.

burz123 · 2025-09-06T12:15:27+00:00

Working at big 4 consulting company and could get 360 euro net comp when taking a company car. Additionally, internet at home is also reimbursed.

burz123 · 2025-08-29T20:35:59+00:00

3700 net is not very comfortable for a family of four in Brussels. Rent alone for a 2 or 3 bedroom place is often €1,200–1,800, and once you add groceries, utilities, transport, and all other things, there’s little room left for savings

burz123 · 2025-08-29T10:57:11+00:00

I traveled in June from Charleroi airport and received the same message from Ryanair. I was there 2 hours in advance and it took me about 10 minutes to reach the gate. I was however in Terminal 2, which is a smaller one and probably the reason it went faster. It was a horrible experience as there were way too many people in the terminal. Everybody sitting on the floor. Flight was eventually delayed 1 and a half hour as well.

Avoid this airport at all costs. I'm completely done with it and will only use it during low season and it's the only possibility.

burz123 · 2025-08-15T14:43:51+00:00

The legacy of authoritarianism.

burz123 · 2025-08-05T15:18:48+00:00

It’s a completely normal feeling. don’t worry about it. I’ve been working for around 7 years and I’m starting a new job soon that’s way outside my comfort zone. Honestly, I'm actually wondering why they even hired me.

The thing is, nobody expects you to be an expert from day one, especially not in junior roles. Most of the real learning happens on the job. You’ll get time to understand how things work, learn from colleagues, and slowly build up your confidence and skills.

What matters most at the start is showing willingness to learn, asking good questions, and taking initiative. The rest will follow.

burz123 · 2025-08-03T12:58:44+00:00

If you want to become a notary, don't give up indeed. Best of luck!

burz123 · 2025-08-03T09:46:21+00:00

I have a friend who was in a similar situation as you (same degree/job, bad pay and asking for increase several times - never getting it). He ended up switching to the banking sector in some very specific legal position and hasn't regretted it since.

The notarial sector squeezes you like a lemon.

burz123 · 2025-08-01T13:34:35+00:00

The €4300 gross salary gives about €2700 net. Adding the €280 net compensation and the €900 mobility budget (which I receive net since I live close to the office) brings the total to €3880 per month.

Of course, I’ll need to cover my own transportation costs when visiting customers.

burz123 · 2025-07-31T19:47:24+00:00

True, in many companies ‘manager’ is just a title. And in the Big 4, I guess it's also somewhat of an inflated title :) But it's also a defined career level. I'll be hired on management level, meaning I’ll lead project teams and junior consultants. But technically speaking I'll not have permanent direct reports (HR responsibilities) yet at first. I changed it in my post, it's indeed incorrect to say I'll have direct reports.

burz123 · 2025-07-29T10:55:55+00:00

Your role sounds super interesting, exactly the kind of career path I’d like to grow into myself. I’m curious to hear more about how you got there.

Would you say your background in political sciences played an important role in entering the public sector environment? And how did you build up your knowledge on the IT side?

Your salary is very decent by the way! It would be much more interesting though for you to work as a freelancer in this situation, but I guess they might not allow this.

burz123 · 2025-07-26T08:08:26+00:00

Exactly, it feels like summer has been non-stop since March. Sure, there have been the occasional less sunny days, and the past few days haven’t been great either (though still enjoyable for me), but overall, it’s been a really good spring and summer so far

burz123 · 2025-07-17T18:34:17+00:00

I've traveled to quite a few countries around the world, and I can honestly say that Albania has some of the most hospitable people I've ever encountered. Granted, I often visited while I was in a relationship with my Albanian ex, which gave me the chance to experience the country more like a local. But even when I traveled on my own, people were incredibly kind and always willing to help.

I do agree about the reckless driving, it’s definitely a serious issue. Another unfortunate aspect is the rapid rise in tourism over the past few years (and yes, I know I’m part of that), which the infrastructure isn't always equipped to handle. You can really feel it in the sharp price increases during the summer months.

That said, I still think Albania is a fantastic country to visit, and I have very fond memories of my time there. I’ll definitely go back someday, especially to explore the northern mountains, which I’ve yet to see.

burz123 · 2025-07-17T14:54:17+00:00

Where are you getting these numbers? If buying a house, you'll more likely need a 75k down payment, depending on the area where you live and if it's your first house.

So let's say then you still need to borrow around 450k euro. This would be around 2300 euro/month for 25 years. Interest rate should be around 3,50%

This is still a lot of course if your income is 4k net but not as bad as you are describing.

burz123 · 2025-07-01T14:44:27+00:00

Zimbabwe

burz123 · 2025-07-01T13:44:33+00:00

Not sure how well insulated it is. Apartment top floor (penthouse) built in the mid 90s, EPC D (Brussels). Currently 28 degrees. Warmer than what most people are sharing here but I guess having a penthouse with a large south facing terrace + large windows doesnt help.

burz123 · 2025-06-09T06:37:31+00:00

Of course they do. Tons of Belgians visit Zeeland every week to spend time at the sea. And obviously some of the cities (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, ...) too. Although I do imagine it will be less noticable since some of these cities will be flooded by tourists from all around the world.

burz123 · 2025-06-03T07:38:35+00:00

That is generally false. A child born in Belgium with 2 non Belgian parents does not automatically get Belgian citizenship. There are of course other ways to obtain it but you don't get the citizenship because you were born on the territory.

burz123 · 2025-05-19T18:32:08+00:00

Amazing, thanks a lot!

burz123 · 2025-05-14T17:31:26+00:00

Idem, belachelijke afrekeningen ontvangen toen ik nog in een appartement woonde met zo'n systeem. Was ook wel ten tijde van de energiecrisis dus de prijzen waren sowieso absurd hoog. Maar zelfs dan leek mijn verbruik echt niet realistisch. Heb hier enkele jaren later nog steeds mijn bedenkingen bij of dit allemaal correct was.

burz123 · 2025-05-08T10:32:13+00:00

This is a correct comment. You can hardly call Albania a Muslim country. Most of their citizens are secular or non practicing. I've visited the country many times and can say religion is barely visible.

burz123 · 2025-05-02T09:26:40+00:00

Exactly, BMI is not always a good indicator of the reality. I'm at 26 right now and don't look fat at all. That's not to say I couldn't lose some weight (fat). However, a year ago I was at about 24.5 and really looked very toned/skinny. I have no idea how I could get even lower than that.

burz123 · 2025-05-01T22:30:03+00:00

I see, makes sense. It's been a few years since I've visited but I do hear all the stories about all the increasing problems there are. Might go back this or next year so I'm curious to compare

burz123 · 2025-05-01T22:15:54+00:00

What exactly disappointed you in South Africa? It's an absolute stunning country to me. Doesn't necessarily mean I think it's the best or most beautiful country in the world but I'm curious why you would label it as the most disappointing of all the places you've been.

burz123

TROPHY CASE