FIFO Life:
Looking after yourself and your relationships
Article by Jayde Lecerf
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Perth, Western Australia
Western Australia is home to thousands of Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) workers. While FIFO offers many benefits including financial security, career opportunities and flexibility, it also comes with unique challenges that can place significant pressure on individuals, relationships and families.
Although FIFO has become a normal part of life for many Australian families, that doesn't mean it's easy. If you’re finding FIFO life harder than expected, you're certainly not alone.
The impact on FIFO workers
Working away from home for extended periods can affect more than just your schedule. Many FIFO workers describe feeling like they're living two separate lives, one on site and one at home.
Common challenges include:
- Feeling isolated or disconnected from family and friends.
- Difficulty switching between "work mode" and "home mode."
- Fatigue from long shifts and changing sleep patterns.
- Stress and burnout.
- Missing important family events or milestones.
- Feeling guilty for being away from loved ones.
- Changes in mood.
Returning home can sometimes be just as challenging as leaving. Many workers expect to relax immediately but instead find themselves adjusting to family routines that have continued without them.
The impact on partners
Partners at home often carry a significant amount of responsibility while their loved one is away.
This may include managing the household, parenting, finances and daily decision-making independently. Although many partners are incredibly capable and resilient, constantly managing everything alone can be exhausting.
Some common experiences include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained.
- Loneliness.
- Resentment that can build over time.
- Difficulty communicating about each other's needs.
- Feeling unsupported despite understanding the reasons for FIFO work.
- Anxiety when their partner is away.
- Challenges reconnecting each time their partner returns home.
Many couples notice they fall into a repeated cycle of saying goodbye, adjusting to separation, reconnecting and then preparing to separate again.
The impact on family relationships
FIFO doesn't just affect individuals, it can change the way the whole family functions. Families often develop routines while one parent is away. When the FIFO worker returns home, everyone may need to readjust.
This can sometimes lead to:
- Disagreements about parenting.
- Different expectations around household responsibilities.
- Communication difficulties.
- Conflict during the first few days after returning home.
- Feeling disconnected despite wanting to enjoy time together.
These experiences are common. Often, families need support developing strategies that work with the realities of FIFO life.
Looking after your mental health
Living with FIFO comes with unique challenges, making it important to prioritise your mental wellbeing.
Some helpful strategies include:
- Maintaining regular communication while apart.
- Setting realistic expectations for time together.
- Prioritising quality over quantity when you're home.
- Creating routines that provide consistency for children.
- Making time for rest and recovery.
- Staying connected with friends, hobbies and supports.
- Talking openly about stress before it builds.
How could counselling help?
Counselling offers a safe, supportive space to work through the challenges of FIFO life and develop strategies to support your wellbeing.
If you would like to make an appointment, please contact Jayde by:
Phone: 0419 430 836
Email: [email protected]
Jayde Lecerf
Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Mount Lawley Counselling Centre
13 Alvan Street
Mt Lawley (Perth), WA 6050
About the Author - Jayde Lecerf
- Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Jayde is an experienced and empathic therapist who provides client-focused counselling with a warm, strength-based approach. She creates a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected. With a background in both psychology and social work, Jayde offers a holistic and flexible therapeutic style tailored to each client's unique needs.
For more information, please see Jayde Lecerf's profile page