In Spain, work as a civil servant It continues to be one of the most valued job options for those seeking stability and economic security. Having a permanent job, a stable salary and a guaranteed pension are some of the factors that make thousands of people prepare for competitive exams each year.
Federico Fuentes, an 81-year-old retired teacher, knows this reality well and defends the advantages of having developed his entire professional career in public administration. In an exclusive interview for NewsWorkexplains how, after decades dedicated to teaching, he now enjoys a retirement that allows him to live comfortably.
A pension higher than your last salary
Federico began working as a teacher in Barcelona at a time when, as he remembers, working conditions were much harsher. “The salary was quite low and the hours were very long,” he explains. But as the years went by, job improvements in the education sector and union demands caused the situation to change, allowing him to reach a salary close to 2,000 euros per month before retiring.
After more than three decades working as a civil servant, today he receives a pension of 2,300 euros per month. “I retired to earn more,” he says with a laugh, claiming to feel lucky for the economic situation he is currently experiencing. “I’m lucky. Now, since the children are already on their own, I practically have leftovers. I can even save,” he adds.
The security of being a civil servant
The former teacher is clear that having been a civil servant has had a positive impact on his work and personal life. He considers that public employment offers a stability that is difficult to find in other sectors and believes that this is one of the main reasons why so many young people continue to opt for the opposition.
“As a civil servant, no one fires you and you are also paid well. Any company can go bankrupt, close and you end up on the street.”
He debate on the future of the public pension system continues to generate concern, especially among younger workers, who doubt whether they will be able to collect a similar pension in the future. Federico, however, believes that criticism of the system is based on a wrong vision.
“It seems very bad to me that young people say that part of their salary is taken away to pay pensions. If that were not the case, pensions would not exist,” he says. “When it is their turn, they will think the same as us,” he concludes.