And keeping really balanced here is my husbands real life FIFO story..
1.Was there a reason you started FIFO? Ie deposit for a house, life style, or where you single what was your reaction when telling women about your roster? Did you talk about it before start FIFO(as a couple) or the relationship? How long has FIFO been part of your relationship? Was there a time limit? Has that happened
It seemed to be the next stage in my life following the defence force then the mines it seemed the progressive step. I have not thought of anything else other than it, I am lucky to have meet FIFO wife while during the time I was in the defence force, so having spend 6mths away and not being able to contact her months at a time othe than emails, going to mine working 4wks on 1wk off, 2wks on 1 wk off, 3wks on 2wks off, 4wks on 4wks off.. This is the best one we have done equal time, so we have known not much else but this, we have an every changing time frame for this industry, it has always been stated that we will retire young, saying that if it has to be earlier because of family matters it will be family is always first
2.What do you like best about FIFO
I have to say the flight too and from the job, reason, I get to fly see new places, My boys are little men not reliant on me and able to go it alone and be guided when needed and the first look that I get from FIFO wife when I am picked up the sparkle in her eyes tell me that I have been missed the boys fighting over how is to hold my hand who is going to tell there tail first the first to crack a joke and the first to tell me what is plan for me this time off you can not beat that.
3.Tricky, hilariously bad about FIFO? What would change if you had a magic wand
You will always have ups and down but that is part of the industry you can not change it the saying that one week in the offshore industry is like a year passing is true problem start and finish in days but seems like months .
4. 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 you marriage? What do you do to maintain your marriage to keep it healthy?(ie communication, date nights)
We are talking all the time it is what we do everything from if we where to break up and relationships and duties that would happen and not. Funeral’s, lost of child parents everything so that we have a clear frame of mind not making bad discions in the heat of the moment. This leads to marriage issues how we can help and it is the small thing that is noticed with my FIFO Wife being able to do the shopping with out the kids me included, I can be worst than the kids, have coffee in a café one on one dates with each child while I look after the other two, able to get beauty things done, getting flower for no reason, saying bugger it let go out you and me lets do it, listen, cook dinner have a family meal gives FIFO the best feeling sitting around the table every one helping dish up and clean up, I remember how I pulled off a 30th surprise birthday party for FIFO wife I thought that was romantic, I would like to think that I do but you will always have to ask FIFO wife if it is even though we have the same ideas we are so different with feeling. Painting the house I think it is romantic, (UGGGG me fix, paint and pretty for you UGGGG ) no oh well
Making efforts for the things that mean to her ask FIFO wife has done for me leading up to where we are now, have to put her life on hold as an excuse can not wash now, we have that option to do the things now in the 4wks off
5.Do you find you have trouble balancing your time off ie you, wife and kids
I don’t think it is trouble just finding the groove, life may not seem like it has change but it has boys have new tasks not long the need your help dad, sports start and finish, new activities and library days. It is as you make it, you wont it to be difficult then it is.
6.How do you stay connected to your family when you’re away? Do you think the kids are okey with you going to work?
The industry is very focused on family if you are happy at home than you should be happy at work being in the age that we are able to use the internet free phone to call home, on some jobs you get to skype, that is good for the boys they got to wend a day with me via skype they loved it, meet people see whales swimming passed, it is all available for you if you like,
7.How do you handle fitting back into routine? Dealing with discipline?
I have the same ideas my wife, we never under mind each other when disciplining the boys, like all parents it is nice to hear that you have well mannered children, you have to give the credit you FIFO wife as she has them 6ths of the yr more than I do, credit where it is due you have done an exceptional job.
8.Do you get lonely on the rig? What’s the toughest time for you?(if there is one)
It is too busy and with the phones and internet it can be just like finishing work at home sit down chat about the day, watch tv and bed if you choose. It is all for a big picture if you work in town, on the beach, in the country you will start the day early finish late miss the drop off at school and the pick up, the swimming, the birthday party, the family walks, the fist words spoken, weigh it all up and I do not as I hunger for my time off and the excitement that the boys plan.
9.How do you manage life away do you have a routine sleep, eating, exercise and personal space issues on the rig?
I have a routine, it makes it easier, get up out the door 15mins later on the phone chat for 15mins, off to work, lunch and gym shower back to work, finish work off to the gym check emails chat if FIFO wife is on line watch a movie and than bed same day in day out 28days
10.What’s the most surprising thing your partner has managed whilst you’re away?(This question is very optional but public bragging about your partner is such a nice thing..)
At this point finding a diff for my truck, and putting up with me, managing life finances, medical emergencies, tenant’s mechanics, councils and complaining neighbour’s.
11.What advice would you give to newbie’s about coping with FIFO
Your FIFO wife is sheriff, follow the rules communicate and talk about every thing even the ice cube, bottle brush and the money in the French maids outfit cover all bases is what I am saying do not be afraid it is a life style and a good one.
Thank you husband,
xx Deb
