I’ve worked in FIFO for the past five years, and I’m starting to notice that we are fighting more, we aren’t talking, and I’m starting to prefer staying on-site as it’s easier than coming home. I love my wife and don’t want to lose our relationship, but I’m also not willing to leave my job…any suggestions?
Welcome to the tail end of Mental Health Week! This question is a perfect representation of the majority of the clients that I see from WA.
The Australian mining industry currently employs approximately 278,800 people (ABS, 2021). A substantial number of mining workers work on a fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in-drive-out (DIDO) basis.
While it is a sector that generates significant employment and economic benefits, it is also an industry rife with mental health and relationship challenges.
There are heaps of strategies for FIFO/DIDO relationships. The strategies below will help sustain your relationship with each other while also providing some empathy for each other’s situation.
Steps to take as a couple
1. Empathize with each other. Recognize the hardships you both face. The spouse who stays home gets saddled with additional responsibilities for household maintenance and parenting. The other partner may feel out of touch with the family while they’re enduring flight delays and impersonal hotel rooms or dongas.
2. Take advantage of technology. Obviously, there are more options than ever for staying connected. Keep in touch with video calls, instant messaging, free long-distance plans, and digital pictures. Communicate about practical matters and set some time aside just for small talk and intimacy.
3. Build a support network. You may need outside help during your time apart. Look for ways to hire or barter for services like babysitting and home repairs.
4. Celebrate your reunions. Make the most of the time you do have together. Create your own traditions. Separations may help you appreciate each other and your relationship more.
5. Make the holidays special. Traditional events and special occasions can be awkward times for couples dealing with non-traditional living arrangements. Attempt to plan so you can be together on major holidays or create your own special family celebrations that work with your schedule.
FIFO/DIDO workers and their partners report having poorer sleep quality, eating less nutritiously, and needing to take more physical health medication on workdays compared to non-workdays.
The nature of FIFO/DIDO work is one that is not conducive to positive mental health and well-being, but you can learn the skills and strategies necessary to support one another in your relationship.
Whether your FIFO/DIDO relationship has you living in different cities or different continents, your family can stay close by empathizing with each other and communicating effectively. After all, it’s important to be flexible and tolerant while you look forward to the days when you’re back together under the same roof.
Your Bestie,
Amanda xx
Amanda Lambros is a sexologist and relationship coach with almost two decades of experience who takes pride in her “no b-s” approach to solving your problems. She is also a certified speaking professional and has written several books on relationships, health and business which have sold more than 150,000 copies.
Do you have a question for Amanda? Email [email protected] (don’t worry, we won’t publish your name!)
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
