Preparing Your Family for FIFO Life

Fly in fly out or FIFO work is a common lifestyle for many Australians working in mining, construction, and other remote industries. It offers great earning potential and career opportunities but also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to family life. Living apart for weeks at a time can put strain on relationships and affect the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Preparing your family for FIFO life is essential to help everyone adjust and maintain strong connections despite the distance and time apart. Whether you are about to start FIFO work or are already living the lifestyle, this blog will share useful tips to support your family through the transition and day to day challenges.

Be Open About What FIFO Life Means

The first step in preparing your family for FIFO work is having honest conversations about what the lifestyle entails. Explain why you are choosing FIFO and how the roster works. Talk about the time you will spend away and what that means for everyday life.

It is important to acknowledge that FIFO life is not just a temporary inconvenience but a significant change that will impact routines and relationships. Children, partners, and other family members may have worries or questions, so giving them space to express their feelings helps.

Being open about the realities of FIFO can reduce misunderstandings and build a foundation of trust. It also encourages everyone to work together to make the lifestyle successful.

Establish a Routine That Works for Everyone

Routine provides stability, especially when one parent or partner is away for extended periods. Work with your family to develop routines that suit your unique circumstances. This might include regular meal times, bedtime rituals, or weekend activities.

When you are home, try to be fully present. Quality time matters more than quantity, so focus on meaningful interactions rather than trying to catch up on everything at once.

If you are the FIFO worker, consider how you can prepare for your time away by setting up routines that keep the household running smoothly in your absence. This may involve helping organise schedules, meal planning, or coordinating childcare.

Use Technology to Stay Connected

One of the biggest challenges of FIFO life is physical separation. Fortunately, technology offers many ways to maintain communication and connection even from a distance.

Make video calls a regular part of your routine. Seeing each other’s faces helps reduce feelings of isolation and keeps relationships strong. Messaging apps and social media also allow for quick updates and sharing everyday moments.

Encourage children to share their achievements, challenges or funny stories through photos or voice messages. This keeps you involved in their lives despite the distance.

Be mindful not to rely solely on technology though. Scheduling phone calls or sending handwritten letters or care packages can add a personal touch and show you are thinking of them.

Prepare for Emotional Ups and Downs

FIFO life brings emotional highs and lows for both the worker and their family. The excitement of reunions and time together can be followed by feelings of loneliness or frustration during the away period.

Recognise that these feelings are normal. Encourage open communication so that everyone feels safe sharing their emotions.

Partners may feel overwhelmed managing the household alone, and children might struggle with missing a parent. It helps to develop strategies for coping, such as talking to friends or support groups.

The FIFO worker should also be mindful of their own mental health. Maintaining a support network and using employer resources such as counselling services can be beneficial.

Share Household Responsibilities

When one person is away on a FIFO roster, the other often takes on additional responsibilities. This can lead to stress and burnout if not managed carefully.

Discuss household tasks and parenting duties openly. Where possible, share the load with extended family, friends, or community services.

Organising practical support for busy times like school drop offs, medical appointments or errands can make a big difference.

If you are the FIFO worker, show appreciation for the effort your family puts in during your absence. Simple gestures like thoughtful messages or small surprises when you are home can strengthen relationships.

Plan Family Activities During Time at Home

Maximise the time you spend with your family by planning activities that everyone enjoys. These do not have to be extravagant but should focus on connection and fun.

Going for walks, cooking meals together or playing games can help rebuild bonds and create positive memories.

It can also be helpful to discuss expectations beforehand. Sometimes partners and children hope for more time together or different activities than the FIFO worker anticipates.

Setting realistic goals for your home time and being flexible helps avoid disappointment and makes the most of your breaks.

Maintain Social Connections Outside the Family

While family is the heart of FIFO life, maintaining friendships and community ties is equally important.

Encourage your partner and children to stay socially active. Joining local clubs, sports teams or support groups can reduce feelings of isolation.

The FIFO worker should also stay connected with friends and colleagues during their time away and at home.

Having a strong social network provides emotional support and a sense of belonging that benefits everyone.

Manage Financial Expectations Together

One of the motivations for FIFO work is often financial security. However, money can also be a source of tension if not discussed openly.

Sit down as a family to talk about financial goals and budgets. Being transparent about income, expenses and savings plans helps avoid misunderstandings.

Including your family in financial decisions can give them a sense of control and shared purpose.

Prepare Children for the FIFO Lifestyle

Children may find FIFO life confusing or upsetting. Age appropriate conversations about why you will be away and how often can help them understand and cope.

Creating countdown charts or calendars marking when you will be home can give them something to look forward to.

Reassure them that it is okay to miss you and encourage them to express their feelings.

Involving children in care packages or letters you send to the site can also help them feel connected.

Take Care of Yourself

Being away from your family on a FIFO roster can be tough, but looking after your own wellbeing is crucial.

Maintain healthy habits such as exercise, good nutrition and sleep. Use downtime on site to relax and recharge.

Stay in touch with loved ones regularly and be honest about your feelings.

Taking care of yourself allows you to support your family better and enjoy your time at home more fully.

Seek Support When Needed

FIFO life can be challenging and it is important to remember you are not alone. Many families face similar issues and support is available.

Look for FIFO support groups in your community or online. Talking to others who understand your situation can provide comfort and advice.

If you or your family are struggling with mental health or relationship issues, consider seeking professional help. Many companies offer employee assistance programs that include counselling.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your family for FIFO life takes time, communication and effort from everyone involved. By being open, setting routines, staying connected and supporting each other, you can create a strong foundation to thrive despite the distance.

FIFO work brings unique rewards and challenges. With the right preparation, you can maintain close family bonds and enjoy the benefits of this lifestyle.

If you are about to start FIFO work or already living it, take small steps each day to nurture your family relationships. Remember, you are all in this together and support is always available.

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