If you’re new to the Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) workforce or considering getting into FIFO work, understanding what to pack for FIFO is crucial. Preparing adequately from suitable work clothing and hygiene items to comfort necessities for your downtime can significantly impact your FIFO experience.
Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) jobs have become popular among Australian employees. FIFO positions are attractive for many because they offer excellent pay, benefits, and the chance to see the country. Understanding the pros and cons of FIFO work is essential to decide whether it is your career path.
FIFO Work
The FIFO work model requires employees to travel remotely to perform their duties before returning home. It involves employees flying to their worksite for several days or weeks, then resting at home. This employment model is expected in mining, oil, and construction industries, where worksites are often remote.
FIFO employees typically reside in the exact location between shifts and have access to modern amenities such as restaurants, fitness centres, and entertainment. This career path has been popular in Australia over the past two decades due to the high wages and attractive benefits FIFO employees receive.
The rotation schedule, often called a “FIFO swing,” commonly involves two weeks on-site followed by one week off, known as a “2 and 1” swing. But the pattern can vary based on the employer and job role.
Working in such intensive schedules in often isolated and harsh environments requires resilience and thoughtful preparation. But remember, it’s not just about enduring – thriving in a FIFO role is possible with the right approach and resources.
What to Pack for FIFO? (Essentials)
Work Socks and Appropriate Attire
Given the physically demanding nature of FIFO work, ensuring you have durable and comfortable workwear is paramount. It’s essential to understand the working conditions you’ll be facing and pack accordingly. You can be exposed to cold weather or hot, sunny conditions, so ensure you have protective gear suitable for the weather.
Work socks are also a critical part of your clothing pack. They provide the necessary comfort for your feet and help prevent blisters and discomfort during long working hours. Packing enough clothing and socks to last your swing, plus a little extra is a good rule of thumb.
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Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is not just about quenching your thirst; it’s a health necessity, especially when working in harsh conditions. Dehydration can lead to numerous health issues like headaches, fatigue, and impaired concentration, which you cannot afford in a FIFO job. Always have a sturdy, refillable water bottle with you. Remember, it’s about filling it up and consuming enough throughout the day.
Lunch Pack
Depending on your worksite facilities, you might need to pack a lunch. Choose nutritious and filling food options to keep you energised. The temptation can be to grab something quick and easy but remember, your body needs the proper fuel to function optimally. Foods rich in protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats should form part of your lunch pack.
Night Shift Essentials
Adjusting your sleeping pattern becomes challenging if your FIFO role involves night shifts. Pack items to help you sleep during the day, such as an eye mask to block light and earplugs to drown out noise. A good-quality neck pillow might also help rest in transit or during breaks.
Washing Supplies
Living out of a suitcase doesn’t mean compromising cleanliness. Pack your toiletries and personal hygiene items, including washing powder or pods, for your laundry needs. Personal grooming can impact your mental well-being, so maintaining your usual routines as much as possible can boost your morale.
Leisure Items
FIFO life is not all about work. Your mental health and well-being are equally important. Your time off is your opportunity to unwind and relax. So, pack some leisure items for your downtime. Books, magazines, portable gaming consoles, workout gear, or hobby-related items can be helpful. They can help you detach from the work environment and recharge effectively.
Some workers use their off-time to further their education or personal development — such as studying for a Graduate Certificate in Management or similar qualification. Remember your laptop, online course materials, or any necessary educational resources if this is you.
Communication Tools
Remote doesn’t mean disconnected. In this digital age, staying in touch with your family and friends is easier than ever. Your smartphone is a given, but consider other useful tools like a portable charger or power bank to ensure you remain reachable even during long working hours.
If your accommodation provides Wi-Fi, bringing a laptop or tablet can provide entertainment and communication options.
Medical Supplies and Fitness Gear
Remember to pack any regular medication you take and a small first aid kit for minor injuries. Considering most FIFO roles ‘ physical nature, a pain relief cream for muscle soreness might also be helpful.
If you’re fitness-oriented, pack some portable fitness gear. Resistance bands, a skipping rope, or a yoga mat can be packed easily, allowing you to maintain your fitness regimen. Even without equipment, consider bodyweight workouts to keep active.
Emotional Wellbeing Essentials
While financially rewarding, FIFO work can be tough on mental health due to isolation, long hours, and being away from loved ones. Therefore, remember to pack items that contribute to your emotional well-being. This might be as simple as photos of loved ones, a journal for expressing your thoughts, or self-help books.
Pros and cons of FIFO Work
Pros
The financial benefits are substantial. The majority of a person’s living expenses, including food, lodging, and transportation, are covered by mining corporations.
You may choose where to reside. To recruit highly skilled workers, mining companies are frequently willing to fly employees from various locations to mine sites. This is more prevalent during prosperous periods. In general, however, working FIFO means that even if you change mining positions, you will likely not be required to relocate your family or leave your current residence.
Due to rosters and leave entitlements, mining workers can frequently take extended vacations – up to several weeks – and use the time to travel abroad, which they might not have been able to do otherwise.
The majority of mine sites have excellent facilities. Depending on the location, workers may have access to gymnasiums, basketball facilities, and even a swimming pool. You only need to worry about your laundry, as most lodgings provide internet access and pay-per-view channels for downtime and clean your room for you.
Opportunities for professional advancement exist. Once you have proven yourself, you can transition to a different job or field. The mining industry is an excellent location to pursue knowledge and professional advancement.
Cons
Long hours and shift work are unquestionably one of the most challenging aspects of FIFO employment. In most cases, employees must work over 12 hours per shift and seven days per week while on the job. It is arduous labour with little ‘downtime’ on-site.
Most remote sites expose employees to extreme temperatures, dust, insects, and harsh terrain.
FIFO can strain families and relationships significantly. Extended absences from home can leave partners and children with the impression that they are frequently on their own, while the worker may experience feelings of isolation and disconnection.
The reservation system makes it challenging to organise social gatherings at home. Frequently, mining employees are unable to attend marriages, birthday parties, concerts, sporting events, or their children’s activities.
It can be difficult to adapt to shift employment. You must get used to day and night shifts and manage between family life and work schedule.
Some individuals may feel restricted by the camp lifestyle. There is considerably less liberty, and it is very routine. There are no local towns or places to visit for a change of scenery.
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Surviving and Thriving in FIFO Work
Surviving and thriving in FIFO work can be challenging but is manageable with the proper preparation and mindset. Organising your FIFO essentials is the first step to mastering the FIFO lifestyle. Stay focused, look after your physical and mental health, and make the most of the benefits of FIFO work.
The FIFO life may be challenging sometimes, but it also offers opportunities. It allows you to work intensively and then enjoy an extended period at home. The key to getting the most from this lifestyle is balancing your work commitments with caring for your health and maintaining your social connections. The FIFO lifestyle and its demands are unique, but you can survive and thrive with the right approach.
How to gain a competitive advantage when applying for FIFO employment
To stand out in the FIFO job market, you must demonstrate the required skills and experience. You must also demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities if necessary. In addition, it is essential to emphasise any FIFO-specific qualifications or certifications you have obtained, as this will demonstrate your dedication to the FIFO lifestyle.
