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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WWYD? husband looking at FIFO work

63 replies

ApplePieIsAmazing · 01/04/2019 22:03

My husband has been looking at the idea of FIFO work. Especially because we are looking at relocating to another city next year. The money would definitely help but being an electrician he wouldn't really struggle to find a job that isn't fifo.

I'm not really keen on the idea. I have seen so many relationships break down because of fifo, not to say they all do but they definitely make marriages harder. On the other hand the extra money would be handy.

I feel like this is a decision we both need to be on board with. So wwyd regarding fifo? And wibu to say I don't want him working away? The roster would be 8 days away, 6 home

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 01/04/2019 22:04

FIFO?

GertrudeCB · 01/04/2019 22:05

What's FIFO ?

Original poster
ApplePieIsAmazing · 01/04/2019 22:06

Sorry, it's Fly in Fly out

He will be living at a camp site at work while rostered on, not at home

OP posts:
itsmeyouknow · 01/04/2019 22:06

I did it pre baby. Not sure I would again, it is tough to be on a different wavelength.

Fly In Fly Out.

topcat2014 · 01/04/2019 22:08

In my world, it means something different:

First In First Out

(accounting)

:)

RedForShort · 01/04/2019 22:09

Fly in fly out.

I could do it now- but don't think I could when our children were younger.

timeisnotaline · 01/04/2019 22:09

You do both have to agree.- it would only be possible fairly short term for us so if you do it , agree a time frame after which he quits no matter what has happened with the moving cities plan. Discuss his role in moving and make sure he is committed to pulling his weight.
And of course do you treat funds as joint? If not then it’s all downside for you.

RomaineCalm · 01/04/2019 22:13

I was confused. Only ever heard FIFO in the workplace to mean 'Fit in or F**k off'. Confused

Original poster
ApplePieIsAmazing · 01/04/2019 22:13

*Time

Yes our funds are joint, and we are looking to start a family when we get a house but I'm just not sure the money is worth it tbh. I like having him home every night. Not sure if I'm being silly or selfish to knock the money back though

OP posts:
Princessmushroom · 01/04/2019 22:16

Sounds perfect to me tbh. 8 days without my husband there, to just do whatever I want 😂

I could probably hack it with a set end date.

IAmRubbishAtDIY · 01/04/2019 22:29

Fly where? Another UK city?

Original poster
ApplePieIsAmazing · 01/04/2019 22:35

We live in Australia, it would be to a mine

OP posts:
PandaExpress19 · 01/04/2019 22:39

god i would love this. 8 days all to yourself (apart from work obviously) and then 6 days with your DH off. sounds amazing to me. i would give it a try and if you dont like it then stop it. far easier to do this kind of thing now and earn extra money before kids come along and you dont have the flexibility / freedom.

VanGoghsDog · 01/04/2019 22:41

In my world it means Fit In or Fuck Off!

TheBigFatMermaid · 01/04/2019 22:41

I think itsmeyouknow has the answer, do it to build up money until you start a family on the understanding he will not do it after!

HennyPennyHorror · 01/04/2019 22:43

Dh and I really enjoy it when he works away. It's not regular but sometimes it's just GREAT to have the house to myself. I think it's healthy for married couples to have some time apart.

DemelzaPoldarksshinerrefiner · 01/04/2019 22:43

Depends how he would spend time and money on his off hours. You could agree to a trial period and see that it is actually a profitable endeavour. I wouldn’t be keen it’s a hard life for a few bob extra.

Guiltypleasures001 · 01/04/2019 22:43

I understand you want him home op, but I personally would be making hay while the sun shines, if it's just the two of you at the moment.

My dh works away 4 days a week, We have a 20yr old, we speak and skype everyday, we bank everything in savings, for the future.

ineedaholidaynow · 01/04/2019 22:44

topcat I am the same!

CycleWoman · 01/04/2019 22:45

I did FIFO mine work. Tbh it’s ok for a short period but hard going longer term. It does put a strain on your relationship as it kind of upsets the rhythm of things, socialising, balance of life admin/housework. But the money is very good.....so if you have a situation you want to save for then it can really be worth it.

ShesABelter · 01/04/2019 22:45

I would do it without a second thought. Eight days isn't much at all.

Longdistance · 01/04/2019 22:45

When we lived in Oz there was loads of FIFO jobs in WA. I considered it myself but dds were young, and dh was on some sort of mission 🤷🏼‍♀️

blueshoes · 01/04/2019 22:45

It is 8 days away, 6 home. You still get to see him quite a bit on his days off.

I think you are being a bit precious. This is harder on him than on you. He is doing this to build up savings, not to have a jolly. Are you ready for children if you could not cope on your own for a few days at a stretch?

Kaleela · 01/04/2019 22:46

My parents did this for over a decade. It was hard at times in the sense Dad missed out on a fair bit with us kids but it enabled us to have a very cushy life. I think it's a great idea before having kids to beef up your finances. As long as your communication is great and there is clarity on the expectations and needs you should be ok for short term. It's a daunting prospect

Bishalisha · 01/04/2019 22:47

@topcat2014 yup!

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