Career Planning for FIFO Workers: What Comes After the Mine Site?

Working FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) can be a rewarding career path. The money’s good, the work is steady, and for many, it’s a way to build a solid financial base or get ahead in life faster than with a regular 9-to-5. But at some point, almost every FIFO worker starts to ask the same question — what’s next?

It might come up during a quiet night in the donga, after a tough swing, or when you miss another family event back home. Maybe you’ve been in the industry for a decade and you’re starting to feel the wear and tear. Or maybe you're new to FIFO but looking ahead and wondering where the path leads. Whatever stage you’re at, planning for what comes after the mine site is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Because while FIFO work can open a lot of doors, it’s not something most people want — or are able — to do forever.

The FIFO Lifestyle Isn’t Always Sustainable Long-Term

Let’s be honest: FIFO life is hard on the body, the mind, and your relationships. The early mornings, long shifts, and extended time away from home all take a toll. Even if you love the work, the isolation and the lack of routine can chip away at your motivation over time.

That’s not to say you can’t build a long FIFO career — many do. But most people hit a point where they want something a bit more stable. Maybe you’re starting a family. Maybe your priorities have changed. Or maybe you’re just tired of the cycle and ready to come home for good.

Planning ahead means you’re not caught off guard when the time comes to make that transition. It also means you’re making the most of your time on-site — not just working hard, but working smart.

Make FIFO Work for You, Not the Other Way Around

A lot of FIFO workers fall into the trap of living swing to swing without thinking much beyond the current roster. It's easy to do. You finish a shift, get some rest, fly home, catch up on life, and before you know it, you're heading back again.

But if you start to treat your FIFO work as a stepping stone rather than the destination, everything shifts. You begin to think more strategically — about saving, upskilling, networking, and setting yourself up for what’s next.

Instead of just clocking in and out, you start asking bigger questions. What am I learning here that I can take into my next role? How can I position myself for something closer to home? What does my ideal job look like after FIFO, and what do I need to get there?

Start with a Clear Vision

Before you can map out a new direction, it helps to know where you want to go. For some FIFO workers, the goal is to stay in the same industry but transition into a more stable, residential role. Others might be eyeing off a move into supervision, training, or HSE. Some are keen to change industries completely — start a business, move into real estate, learn a trade, or get into community work.

There's no right or wrong path. The key is figuring out what you want your life to look like beyond the roster. Do you want more time at home? A job that’s easier on your body? A role that offers long-term growth or leadership opportunities? Start with the lifestyle you want, then work backwards from there.

And if you’re not sure yet, that’s fine too. Just start paying attention to the parts of your job that energise you — and the ones that don’t. Over time, your preferences will become clearer.

Use Downtime to Upskill

One of the biggest advantages FIFO workers have is time. Sure, the shifts are long, but you also get stretches of time off — and how you use that time can change your whole future.

A lot of workers use their R&R to rest, see family, and recharge, which is absolutely essential. But even if you carve out just a bit of that downtime to invest in yourself, it can pay off massively. Whether it’s online training, short courses, certifications, or simply reading and learning about a new industry, there are countless ways to build your skills from the comfort of your own home.

And you don’t have to spend big either. Many reputable training providers offer affordable options, and some employers even offer development programs or funding for further education. If you’re not sure where to start, think about areas that complement your current skills — like project management, safety, leadership, or even small business.

Just remember, it’s not about doing everything at once. Even small steps, taken consistently, can move you forward.

Build a Network Beyond Site

FIFO work can feel a bit like a bubble. You see the same crew each swing, talk to the same supervisors, and the outside world can start to feel pretty distant. But when it comes to planning your next move, your network can be one of your biggest assets.

Get comfortable talking to people about their own career paths — both on-site and off. Ask about how they got to where they are, what skills helped them move up, or what they’d do differently if they were starting over. Most people are happy to share advice, and you’ll often pick up ideas you hadn’t considered.

It also helps to build connections in industries or areas you’re interested in. That could mean going to local networking events while you’re on break, reaching out to old mates on LinkedIn, or just letting people know you’re open to new opportunities. You never know where the next lead might come from.

Think About Finances Early

One of the main reasons people get into FIFO is the money. And fair enough — it’s often significantly more than what similar roles pay in residential settings. But here’s the trap: FIFO income often leads to FIFO spending. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of big paychecks and big outgoings.

If you’re serious about setting yourself up for life after site, the time to get on top of your finances is now. That doesn’t mean living like a monk or never enjoying your earnings, but it does mean having a plan. Pay off debt. Save. Invest if you can. Think long term.

The more financially stable you are, the more options you’ll have when it’s time to move on. You might want to retrain, take a lower-paid job closer to home, or even start your own business. Having a financial cushion gives you the freedom to choose your next step, not just take what you can get.

Don’t Leave It Too Late

One of the biggest regrets many former FIFO workers share is that they waited too long to plan for the next chapter. They thought they’d do “just one more year” and then figure it out. But life doesn’t always wait. Injuries happen. Jobs dry up. Family situations change.

Even if you’re still loving your role now, it’s worth thinking ahead. What if this job ended tomorrow? Would you be ready? Would you have options?

By starting the planning process early — even just a little bit — you give yourself time to make better decisions. You’re not scrambling. You’re not reacting. You’re building something.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that FIFO work can be a solid career move. It offers financial rewards, unique experiences, and the chance to work on some of the biggest projects in Australia. But it’s not forever. And what happens after the mine site can be just as important as what happens on it.

So start thinking about it now. Use your time, money, and access to opportunities to invest in yourself. Learn something new. Build a plan. Talk to people. And most importantly, don’t wait until you’re burnt out or backed into a corner to figure out what’s next.

Your FIFO job is just one chapter. What you do next — that’s where the real story begins.

If you’d like personalised support—whether it’s professional Resume and Cover Letter writing, FIFO Resume, Employer Sponsorship Resumes and Cover Letters, SEEK and LinkedIn profile optimisation, Selection Criteria for Government Jobs, one-on-one Job Interview Coaching or Other Professional Writing Services —call us on 0423 686 904 or email us at hello@adriennasresumes.com