Tools and machinery – Australia. Hands ON. Tools and machinery – Australia.

Pros and Cons – Mining Career

For those that are interested in pursuing a career in mining, I thought I would let you know a little about what I have learnt from my time in the industry.
Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) isn’t for everyone. For a start, while most sites are starting to do up their camps due to increased competition for labour, there are still many out there that leave a lot to be desired, especially if you’re used to working in a city environment, be it in an office or outdoors. Some sites will have reticulation to gardens and permanent BBQs for functions. Others are lucky to have a line of rocks to show where to stop your vehicle when parking.
Most rosters available these days are either 3/1 (21days on, 7 at home), 2/1 (14/7), 9/5, 8/6 or multiples and derivatives of that, for example, 5/2, 4/3 is a split 9/5 roster, yet you’re home every weekend instead of every 2nd weekend.
FIFO impacts your life, have no doubt. Instead of being home every night, you’re home for a small chunk of time and then gone for a larger one. If you think that won’t change your social life, impacting on friendships and relationships, you’re an idiot!