When to follow my girlfriend to Brussels, Belgium?

Question

Currently working in Paris (non EU citizen), I am thinking to follow my flemish girlfriend to Brussels (who is moving there from London). The biggest stumbling block is the fear of unemployment. How hard or easy is it to find a job in Belgium? I am in junior management level speaking french and english, graduate of a prestigious french school. What scares me is that these guys are looking for polyvalent secretaries speaking 5 languages and unwilling to pay 35 K euros (standard starters salary in france) for junior professionals. Careerwise, does it make sense to move? One Yahoo answer says casually, expect to be unemployed for 2 years. Is this the way things go in Belgium for expatriates?

Currently working in Paris (non EU citizen), I am thinking to follow my flemish girlfriend to Brussels (who is moving there from London). The biggest stumbling block is the fear of unemployment. How hard or easy is it to find a job in Belgium? I am in junior management level speaking french and english, graduate of a prestigious french school. What scares me is that many offers are like search of "polyvalent secretaries speaking 3-4 languages" and unwilling to pay 35 K euros (standard starters salary in france) for junior professionals. Careerwise, does it make sense to move? One Yahoo answer says casually, expect to be unemployed for 2 years. Thats scary.

Answer 1

Ye shouldn't worry too much, as there are more opportunities for expatriates in Brussels than there are in France. Lots of international headquarters there, and of course the European Union HQ as well. Though Belgians themselves take pride in speaking 3 languages, and many job adverts will require you to speak Dutch, French and German/English/Spanish - have no fear in applying for these jobs regardless. If you have a higher level in French or English as compared to the Flemish, you stand a good chance. Start by checking out vacancies with international companies and the EU well before you go. There's lots of cosmetics and clothing companies based both in Brussels and Paris too - make use of that - lay your groundwork in Paris when you can.

Answer 2

It`s better to speak nederlands,if you will work on the flamish side. I live in Belgium for almost one year and can say if you want to find a work-it`s easy, but what kind of work will it be-not for you to decide. There is also an option to find work on the company from your country, they usually don`t ask knowledge of nederlands or french. If you agree for any kind of work-there are interim buro`s,where they offer work for new comers, students and for ppl who lost their job...

Answer 3

It's only 1 hour from Brussels to France by train, couldn;t you keep your current job, and live in Belgium?

Answer 4

first off all if you have papers to work already in french thats ok.but you dont talk dutch.go to the french side off belgium there u have better change to find job.the work is good pay.but i can say if you really want to work there is .the most inportend is to know to speak like you french and english.but when u dont have job there r offices who help u for everything and anythingk.
i only can say follow your love and try it .good luck
from pshyho in belgium

Answer 5

If you speak french and english that good you'll have no problem looking for a job in brussels since they speak mainly french there anyway instead of dutch..

you can use these websites to look for a job:

www.vdab.be

http://europa.eu.int/eures/home.jsp?lang=fr&langChanged=true

http://www.bgda.be/

http://www.leforem.be/

hope this helps

Answer 6

honestly, i think koby's idea is the best.
in belgium you will mainly face two major problems:
- you simply must be able to speak and comprehend dutch
- with your professional degree you'll never earn even half the amount you mention
sorry, sounds rather severe, but, hey man, that's the way it is...