Wage watchers: how much does a physiotherapist earn?

Physiotherapist Kathleen Goossens, 45, from Zwijnaarde, East Flanders talks about what she earns and how she spends it

What exactly do you do as a physiotherapist?

I help people with their rehabilitation, but also offer them support and advice with regards to losing weight, doing more sports and improving their nutrition. I set up my business as a small company and I employ two people. Part of my job is to delegate and follow up.

Do you enjoy your work?

I love it, because of the social interaction. I have learnt a lot from my patients, not only with regards to work but also in terms of relationships, raising my children and so on.

How many hours a week do you work, and for how much money?

I do on average 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. You have to love the job really, otherwise you can’t keep up. I take home €2,500.

What do you gladly pay for?

For a weekend away or for something the kids ask, although there are of course limits to how much they get. I run four or five times a week. My husband is a marathon runner, so running keeps takes up a lot of our time.

What do you resent parting with your money for?

Jewellery. Not that I don’t want to spend any money on it but it’s not important enough to be a part of my budget.

What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?

I would put a large chunk aside for the children. I wouldn’t rush out and start buying everything but with a flat or house for each of our two children I would definitely make sure their future is financially secure. Maybe I'd buy something nice, but I would mostly invest. And if there is anything left, I will share it among the people I love.

Do you have one big dream?

My dream is mainly in my work, because I have a lot of ambition with the practice. Apart from that, I hope my kids do well.

(bvdb)