Understanding FIFO in Easy Terms
Fly-in, Fly-Out, or FIFO, is how companies hire employees to work in grunt jobs far away. So instead of moving there, the workers fly in for a few weeks of hard work, and then they fly back with their well-earned money to enjoy some time with their families. Hence, it is somehow a roll call of work hard and play hard with a family.
FIFO jobs are mainly seen in mines, oil fields, and large construction sites. These are quite often located almost miles away from civilization; hence, the reason companies afford free flights, food, and accommodation for their workers.
How FIFO Jobs Work
FIFO jobs follow a work schedule called a roster, indicating the days one works and days off. Some common FIFO rosters are:
- 2 weeks on, 1 week off
- 3 weeks on, and 1 week off
- 4 weeks on, and 2 weeks off
You stay at the work camp while onsite. The camp has everything; it has food, laundry, beds, and even internet and gyms. After you have finished your roster, you fly home and enjoy time with your family or friends.
Where FIFO Jobs Are Common
FIFO stands for “Fly in-Fly Out” and is popular in countries such as Australia and Canada, especially in resource-rich but sparsely populated regions.
Industries that utilize FIFO include:
- Mining (iron, gold, coal)
- Oil and gas
- Large construction projects.
These sites are simply too far from cities, making FIFO an effective option.
Why Companies Use FIFO
For FIFO, companies like it because it can find skilled workers anywhere. Full towns do not need to be built in remote areas. Money is saved, and projects move along reasonably well.
With FIFO, businesses can:
- Hire the best, no matter where they live
- Avoid the expense of building housing and schools in remote areas
- Cut down long-term costs
Why Workers Choose FIFO
Although FIFO is often hard, most workers enjoy it because they have a good pay, enjoy free travel, and take long breaks.
Below are those that appeal to IFO:
- Higher salaries or bonuses
- Time off to rejuvenate or spend with the family
- Includes meals and housing
- A very clear line between work life and home life
- For those who like it, FIFO becomes an intelligent choice.
Challenges of FIFO Life
FIFO , while it sounds nice, isn’t always easy; it can feel lonely at times being away from home for weeks. However, what helps is the fact that, with proper habit formation and support, workers can be happy and healthy.
- Feeling Lonely or Sad
When a person was geographically separated from a loved one, the following could result:
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Missing Important Events
- Less Time with Kids or Partners
But many companies offer phone lines, internet, and even counseling. Talking to someone helps a lot.
- Tiredness and Health Problems
Long shifts of, say, 12 hours a day, can easily tire anybody out. If he or she is sleeping or eating poorly, the worker feels bad. Important things are rest, drinking a lot of water, exercise, and even a little.
- Not Much to Do after Work
Some camps don’t have much fun to offer. Boredom, on the other hand, is a bad thing for morale. That is why you will now find more sites offering such amenities as:
- Gyms
- Movies
- Games and sports areas
- Wi-Fi for calling home
How FIFO Affects Families
Families of FIFO workers feel the pressure too. One spouse bears the burden of parenting responsibilities when the parents are called away, yet there is a possibility for balance with a little effort.
Advice for FIFO Families:
- Regular video chat schedules
- Making special memories during time off
- Openly talking about feelings
- Support groups for FIFO families
- The kids can also develop a habit through well-planned activities.
Training and Skills for FIFO Jobs
Most FIFO jobs have special abilities related to the jobs themselves, and these jobs are not easy to learn.
The courses are important.
- Mining safety
- Transitional heavy machine practice
- First aid
- Leadership and supervision
Many companies also give employees access to study online. You can even grow your career while on-site.
How Much Do FIFO Workers Get Paid?
One big reason people choose FIFO is the money. These jobs often pay more than regular city jobs.
Average yearly salaries:
- Drillers: $90,000 – $140,000
- Engineers: $120,000 – $180,000
- Mechanics and Electricians: $100,000 – $160,000
- Site Managers: Up to $200,000
Besides a good paycheck, workers often get:
- Extra money for working in remote areas
- Bonuses
- Paid travel and meals
Staying Safe on the Job
Thus, daily safety meetings focus on training workers in the FIFO way in emergency response and proper use of equipment. The adherence to FIFO involves the following:
The safety concern:
- Appropriate clothing and helmets
- Break the rules and rest
- Immediate reporting of unsafe issues
- Random health checks and drug tests.
- Every entity wants everyone to be safe and sound after work.
FIFO’s Impact on Nature and Towns
Had FIFO not been invented, these remote places would have eventually been groaning under the weight of towns. However, the environmental impact this brings along through flying people in and out constantly can be severe.
Also, since workers don’t live in the area full time, hardly any local shops would benefit much. To try and address this, companies are:
- Buying from local stores;
- Hiring local workers where possible;
- using green energy and improved transport plans.
Other Work Options Like FIFO
Not everyone chooses to fly. Some employees drive in and out instead because that is called Drive-In Drive-Out (DIDO). For others, it means living at the site year-round, which term is residential work. These are lifestyle factors themselves as defined by place and person. A DIDO is common where good roads and cities are nearby.
Is FIFO Right for You?
FIFO fits best for those who:
- Are you fine with being away from home?
- Enjoy earning good moolah.
- Love working outdoors or with machines
- Can go through long shifts
- Want to make time off crystal clear to rest or travel?
Conclusion
Fly-In Fly-Out employment let one work in far-off locations without changing residence. These positions let people make the most of their time off, have fascinating careers, and pay well. Still, employees have to look after their health, keep in touch with loved ones, and remain safe on-site.
Knowing the fundamentals will help you whether you’re planning to begin FIFO or are already in the business. Given the appropriate tools, FIFO may provide a rich and well-balanced existence.
Also Read: Blue Collar Jobs: Powering the World with Skill and Strength
