Spain's Gen Z Is Studying and Working: The Rise of 'Sisi' Youth 2026

Spain's Gen Z is shedding the "nini" label as a growing share of young people both study and work, a trend dubbed "sisi." According to recent data, 33% of Spaniards aged 16 to 29 who are employed are also enrolled in education, up from 26% after the pandemic.

This shift marks a stark contrast with the millennial generation, many of whom became "ninis"—neither studying nor working—after the 2012 financial crisis. The change signals a new approach to work and education among Spain's youngest workers.

From 'Nini' to 'Sisi': How Spain's Gen Z Is Redefining Youth

The term "nini" emerged during Spain's economic downturn, when school failure and scarce job opportunities left many young people disconnected from both the education system and the labor market. For millennials, that scar lasted years.

Now, the script has flipped. Gen Z is combining classrooms and workplaces at higher rates, creating the "sisi" phenomenon—a play on the Spanish words for "yes" (sí) and the idea of saying yes to both paths.

What the Data Shows

The Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) report on the youth labor market in 2025 reveals key figures. The active population aged 16 to 29 grew by 3.32%, adding about 131,700 people compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the inactive population—which includes those who only study—rose by just 0.39%.

In other words, the number of young people staying in the classroom has remained largely stable, but many of them have started working as well. The EPA (Economically Active Population Survey) does not directly ask how many young people combine study and work, but these two figures allow experts to connect the dots.

Why Gen Z Is Choosing Both Work and Study

Several factors explain this shift. The post-pandemic labor market has been tight, with many sectors facing worker shortages, making it easier for young people to find jobs while studying. At the same time, the rising cost of living has pushed students to seek income.

Flexible work arrangements, including remote and part-time options, have also made it more feasible to juggle both commitments. Moreover, Gen Z appears to value practical experience alongside formal education, recognizing that a degree alone may not guarantee employment.

The European Context

Spain is not alone in this trend. Across Europe, the share of young people who both study and work has been rising, according to Eurostat data. Countries with strong dual education systems, like Germany and Austria, have long encouraged combining apprenticeships with schooling.

Spain's shift suggests it is moving closer to that model, though challenges remain. The country still has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the EU, and not all young people have equal access to combined study-work opportunities.

What This Means for Spain's Economy

A generation that both studies and works could boost productivity and reduce skill mismatches. Young people gain real-world experience while earning, and employers benefit from a more prepared workforce. Over time, this could help alleviate Spain's chronic youth unemployment problem.

However, the trend also raises questions about work-life balance and the quality of jobs. If young people are forced to work out of financial necessity rather than choice, it could lead to burnout and lower academic performance. Policymakers will need to ensure that work complements education rather than competes with it. The longer history behind the story is traced in Spain's Gen Z Is Studying and Working: The Rise of 'Sisi' Youth.

Challenges Ahead for the 'Sisi' Generation

Despite the positive trend, obstacles remain. The Spanish labor market is still characterized by temporary contracts and low wages for young workers, which can make combining work and study difficult. Additionally, access to quality vocational training and apprenticeships varies widely by region. The background to this story is set out in Spain's PISA 2025 Results: Gen Z Reading Scores Hit Historic Low. A related thread runs through Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9: The Ultimate 2-in-1 for Work and Study. Earlier coverage in Back to School Buys: 39 Brilliant Products for Work and Study shows how the argument developed.

The education system must adapt to support students who work, offering flexible schedules and recognizing work-based learning. Employers also need to invest in training and offer conditions that allow young people to thrive both academically and professionally. A closer look at the same subject appears in Acer Back-to-School Sale: Save Up to €500 on Laptops for Study, Work. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Best Ergonomic Chairs for Work and Study in 2026: Top 6 Office Chairs. The same theme surfaces in Business: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

Key Takeaways

• 33% of employed Spaniards aged 16-29 also study, up from 26% post-pandemic.
• The active youth population grew by 3.32% in 2025, while the inactive population barely rose.
• Gen Z is combining work and study more than millennials did, shedding the 'nini' label.
• Flexible work and rising living costs are driving the trend, but job quality remains a concern.
• Spain's shift mirrors broader European moves toward dual education models.

Comparing Generations: Millennials vs. Gen Z

The table illustrates the dramatic shift from the post-crisis era to today. While millennials faced a bleak job market that pushed many out of both education and employment, Gen Z is navigating a more favorable environment, albeit with its own set of challenges. Context on how this played out before sits in Spain Cracks Down on Probation Period Dismissals as Cheap Firing Loophole. A companion piece, AI in Spain: Why It's Boosting Jobs, Not Destroying Them, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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