Job Discussion Forums

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

Hi all,
Very quick question: Is a salary of 1,000 euros a month enough to live on in Rome?

The job is in the northern zone of Balduina so I'd aim to live in commuting distance of there but would need to pay rent, bills, food, travel, and have change for an occasional beer. I wouldn't expect to run a car, save money or eat out much but don't want to live in squalor and poverty either.

Thanks very much.

bella1979 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 11

Well it depends.... But I think it will be hard... I don't know how much rent you'll have to pay. Rome itself is very expensive and I don't think a 1000 euro will do for you. When I lived in Naples I earned more or less 900 euro a month but I shared an appartment with 4 other girls, so I only paid like a 150 euro a month. But after all the bills, food etc.. etc.. not much remained.. Try, if you can, to get some private students. That's what helped me, and what still helps me now! In Rome it should not be to hard and you can charge them atleast 20 euro an hour, maybe even more depending on what the student wants and your experience. I currently have 5 private students, so that is only 5 hours extra work a week but still gives me 400 euro extra a month. That is the only advise I can give you. Find out how much rent you need to pay, how much public transport will be etc. I have to tell you though that most people in Italy have a salary of 1100/1200 euro. They seem to survive.... Wink

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

Thanks for the advice. The school does organise extra private lessons for EUR15 an hour but I think I'd try to sort my own out for the higher sort of rate you mention.

I'd be sharing with my boyfriend, but he has to wait til he gets to Rome to actually look for work so we'd be on a real tight budget to begin with.

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

Interesting development: Turns out it would be paid to me cash in hand. I need to look into Italian systems but that means the 24% income tax would not be taken off. Which helps.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

What, your whole salary will be paid cash in hand? That rings alarm bells for me.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I was thinking the same thing....shady dealing Cool

Remember if there is no paper trail and numbers are not in writing - you may not GET your cash in hand.

bella1979 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 11

the important question is: will you get a "busta paga". At the end it is not important how they pay you, but if they leave you an official document of what was paid to you etc. When I worked at Inlingua they paid me in cash as well, each month, but with the cash came the "busta paga". So inform if you will have this, if not that wouldn't be a good sign....

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

Hmm, good question. I'll ask and let you know.

It's not quite as dodgy as I seem to be making it out to be though � they're happy to pay me however I want if I ask.

It's also gone up to 1,200 euros a month, including paid sick, personal and holiday days.

* does excited dance * Very Happy

bella1979 · Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 11

Well that sounds a lot better than most teaching jobs in Italy! Just check about the "busta paga". You probably won't have anything to worry about, it sounds like a good teaching position and 1200 is not bad at all! (after tax I hope... Very Happy

) If you can also find some private students you'll be in good shape! Good luck with everything!

P.s. What is the name of the school if I may ask?

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

Oh good, so nice to see some positive feedback on this one because I just handed my notice in on my current job and am crapping myself a bit.

It's called the something English Club and it's for children - will find out and let you know. It's fairly new and tiny I think, only a handful of teachers.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Hope it all goes well for you! When do you start?

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

beginning of September I think, thank you!

MrsMonkey · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 19

And on a slightly related note, can anyone recommend a good website for Roman flat/apartment/room-in-houseshare rentals please? I'm finding a lot of very dodgy ones and lots of expensive holiday rentals.

You know my budget!

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

What's wrong with cash in hand?

Isn't that what most people prefer?

Whip me I'm Foreign! · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 13

Hi Mrs Monkey!
You can try http://roma.bakeca.it/offro-casa-0 for flats and http://roma.bakeca.it/offro-camera-0 for share houses. Good luck!
And I think the 1000 euros "cash in hand" you're referring to must mean nett pay, which is what most people in italy refer to. On the other hand, If it's "under the table" you should steer very well clear.