The private company worker who, for years, remained comfortable with his permanent job, his salary guaranteed and his monthly payments, such as the mortgage, are now the new predominant profile of the opposition. This phenomenon has grown significantly due above all to the fear generated by the economic crisis and the instability in the private sector.
Fear of the crisis and mass layoffs in private companies
In these uncertain economic times, private companies can no longer cope. Employees, who see their colleagues losing their jobs, are beginning to worry about what will be next for them. This situation has increased the level of Stress and pressure in the workplace, where workers do everything possible to avoid being next on the list of layoffs.
In some cases, even the best effort does not guarantee permanence in the company. And the crisis does not affect only a few companies: many are forced to make layoffs to reduce costs, which generates job insecurity and leaves thousands of people in a situation of economic uncertainty.
In the midst of this scenario, many employees opt for a drastic change in their professional life: they begin to prepare for competitive examinations in the hope of obtaining a permanent job in the public sector. The oppositions have gone from being just another option to becoming a refuge for thousands of people, who seek security in the face of job instability in the private sector.
Why is the public sector the best option?
The difference between a job in the private sector and one in the public sector has always been clear, but in times of crisis, the advantages of public employment stand out even more. Working as a civil servant guarantees, in most cases, job stability. and economic, as well as benefits that are not usually found in the private sector, such as more flexible hours, greater security and better working conditions.
In the next ten years, up to 58% of the General State Administration staff is expected to retire, which will free up 97.000 places until 2032In addition, regional and local administrations are also in a similar situation, which predicts a massive call for competitive examinations in the coming years.
According to CEOE data, for many young people, the difference between the working conditions and salaries offered in the public and private sectors plays a crucial role in their decision to take the exam. The private sector has seen many professionals opt for more stable jobs, with more competitive salaries and working hours that allow them to enjoy a higher quality of life.
The crisis as a driver of change in the professional career
Many workers have begun to take exams after years of stability in the private sector. This change is often driven by a lack of job security, as is the case of Alfonso (43 years old), who had a good job in a multinational, but his only option for development was to move outside Spain, which for him, with two small children, was not viable. He then decided to take a leave of absence to care for his children and prepare for an exam in the State Engineering Corps.
The fear of losing their jobs and the need for economic stability are driving professionals who have already had experience in the labour market to rethink their future. Data from opposition academies show that only 15% of candidates are under 30 years old. The majority of people preparing for oppositions are between 30 and 50 years old, which shows how the act of taking oppositions has become a well-considered decision after years of job instability in the private sector.
Public employment offer: a secure future
Although during the years of the previous economic crisis (2008-2014) the calls for public employment were minimal, in recent years there has been a significant increase in the offer of positions in public administrations. In 2022 alone, the number of public service positions in the General State Administration exceeded 16.800, and the trend indicates that they will not decrease in the near future.
In addition, other sectors have also seen an increase in their staff. During the pandemic, the health and education systems in Spain significantly increased their hiring to deal with the crisis. The autonomous communities, responsible for managing a large part of public employment, already account for more than 59% of the total public sector workforce in Spain.
Apart from job stability, salaries in the public sector are often more attractive when compared to those in the private sector, especially for certain professions. In some cases, salary differences can reach up to 1.000 euros per month, making public employment an even more attractive option for those seeking long-term stability.
Challenges of taking exams in times of crisis
Although competitive examinations may seem like the perfect solution to the instability of the private sector, they do not guarantee success. Passing a competitive examination is a process that requires dedication, time and effort. Many candidates are forced to combine study with temporary or part-time jobs, which adds a significant level of difficulty to the process.
On the other hand, competition has increased in recent years. More and more people decide to take the exams, which has generated greater pressure on the preparation academies. While the places offered by public administrations have not grown at the same rate as the number of candidates, the number of people taking the exams is increasing.
However, for those who manage to pass the tests, the effort is worth it: a permanent job, with good working conditions and a competitive salary is the ultimate prize, a goal for which many are willing to sacrifice years of their lives in preparation.
The current labour market has led thousands of private sector workers to seek stability in the public sector by taking public examinations. This phenomenon is not only affecting young graduates, but also employees with years of experience who, faced with fear of dismissal and job uncertainty, see public examinations as a solution to their problems.