We tried FIFO early on in our relationship and it did not work for us at that time.
Having then a normal job in town seemed to work fine for us and time apart seemed to long.
A tree change for us meant a long wished for dream had come true and city work and the daily commute went on for three more years and as I moved up the ladder to the boss [ironicly in FIFO catering management] the more time I lost.
The eventual decision was made at operational level for the benefit of the company’s contract and now 8 years on we both agree its the best move we made.
Giving a greater amount of time together without continual work interruptions.
What do you like best about FIFO?
The money and rostered time off
What do you find so-so/tricky/hilariously bad about FIFO? What would change if you had a magic wand?
As casual you cant plan any long term activites or holidays.
How do you and your wife fit marriage into the balance? Do you think FIFO makes you be more romantic? Do you put more of an effort into your marriage? What do you do to maintain your marriage to keep it healthy? (ie communication, date nights)
We are not married but have been together for 12 years now, along with FIFO work we have a succsessfull farm business that sees the usual husbands list on the fridge a tad bit longer than the norm.
Date nights? What’s that! We don’t even get a night away from our son with no family to look after him etc and being some distance out of town we live pretty simple and don’t go out that much.
I do get the usual dig from my partner about romance being dead etc and we do talk a fair bit about what we should do to make an effort , then a cow has a difficult calf or some other issue comes up , like work needing me to go back early and its on hold until next time we discuss it.
Do you find you have trouble balancing your time off ie. You, wife and kids
No not really, probable biggest issue is that 28 days of 12 hr shifts at my young age of 45 and through in night shift and it takes me a week to rest up and get back to normality.
The family often does not understand being at work 28 days 12 hrs a day and living in cramped often noisy accommodation does not actually constitute ‘going on a holiday’!
How do you handle fitting back into routine? Dealing with discipline?
This is the main issue we deal with, I am a soft touch , after being away and often find myself not supporting my better half’s decisions and I think she over compensates for me being away by being too hard on our boy.
But im not the one who has to bring him up on my own for 50% of the year.
How do you stay connected to your family when you’re away? Do you think the kids are okay with you going to work?
We try to have morning and night calls and if not emails when we can. I know my lad understands that i have to go to make money. And that I am coming back.
In the early days he did say ‘your the boss out there’ cant you sack your self so you can stay home?
Do you get lonely on the rig? What’s the toughest time for you? (If there is one)
The night in the hotel before I fly out!
How do you manage life away do you have a routine sleep, eating, exercise and personal space issues on the rig?
I just shut my self down, I have a routine I always stick to that includes enjoying my own personal company and space.
Its the best way to deal with close contact with ship mates.
What’s the most surprising thing your partner has managed whilst you’re away? ( This question is very much optional but public bragging about your partner is such a nice thing..)
My missus runs a farm!! Enough said! She’s a legend.
What advice would you give to newbie’s about coping with FIFO.
If it is impacting on your relationship then get out, it’s not for everyone and not worth the money to lose your family.
As told by Matt,
Thanks
xx Deb
