what are fly in fly out jobs

[PeytonAnn]

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) jobs are a work arrangement where employees are transported to a remote worksite by plane or helicopter, work a set schedule of consecutive days (known as a "swing"), and then fly back home for a block of time off. This model is common in resource extraction industries like mining, oil and gas, and construction, where facilities are located far from urban centers. The core idea is to bring the worker to the job rather than building a permanent town for everyone.

A typical FIFO schedule might be two weeks on, one week off (2/1), or three weeks on, three weeks off (3/3). During the "on" period, the company provides accommodation, meals, and all necessary facilities—often called a "camp" or "village." The employee works 10-12 hour shifts, usually seven days a week, and then gets a full break during the "off" period. This structure allows companies to operate remote sites continuously while giving workers concentrated time off.

From a recruitment perspective, FIFO roles offer high salaries and clear retention bonuses, but they also demand specific traits. Candidates must be resilient, good at managing isolation, and able to maintain a strict work-life balance. The financial benefits are significant—industry surveys show FIFO workers can earn 20-30% more than their counterparts in urban roles for similar positions. However, the lifestyle trade-offs are real: long periods away from family, limited social life on-site, and the physical toll of shift work. Companies now invest heavily in mental health support and structured rosters to reduce turnover, which can exceed 30% in poorly managed FIFO operations.

Here’s a quick look at common FIFO schedules and their typical uses:

Schedule Example	Work Days	Off Days	Common Industry
2 weeks on / 1 week off	14	7	Mining, heavy construction
3 weeks on / 3 weeks off	21	21	Offshore oil & gas
8 days on / 6 days off	8	6	Remote camp maintenance
4 weeks on / 2 weeks off	28	14	Exploration drilling

[DelJulia]

I’ve been doing FIFO work for about four years now, and honestly, the money is the main draw. You can make a solid living without needing a degree. But the isolation is real. You’re stuck in a camp with the same people for weeks. The schedule is brutal—12-hour shifts, no days off during your swing. When you’re home, you’re completely off, which is great for catching up on life. But you miss birthdays, holidays, and everyday stuff. You have to be mentally tough to handle it long-term. I’ve seen a lot of newbies quit after one swing.

[LeonardoFitz]

My husband works FIFO in the mines. The financial upside is undeniable—we’ve paid off our mortgage early. But the emotional cost is heavy. When he’s away, I’m essentially a single parent managing the household, school runs, and everything else. The reintegration period is tough too; he comes home and we have to adjust to each other again. It’s like having a roommate who visits for a week. The company provides some support, but it’s not enough. We’ve learned to plan our lives around his roster, but it’s a big sacrifice for family time.

[Vickie]

As a career coach, I tell clients that FIFO roles can be a fast track to savings and career advancement, especially in skilled trades. You get accelerated experience because you work longer hours on more complex equipment. The downside is career pigeonholing—your resume looks very specialized, and transitioning to a 9-to-5 office job later can be hard. Also, the social skills you build at remote sites are different from urban office environments. I recommend FIFO for people who want to bank money quickly in their 20s or early 30s, but have a clear exit plan.

[VonDallas]

The mental health impact of FIFO work is often underestimated. The lack of social connection and the constant rotation of sleeping patterns can lead to burnout and depression. Companies now implement mandatory psychological screenings and on-site counselors, but the stigma around asking for help is still high. From my observation, the most successful FIFO workers are those who maintain strong routines on-site—exercise, hobbies, and regular calls home. The financial benefits are tempting, but you need a solid support system at home and a clear understanding of your own limits to sustain this lifestyle.