If you are comfortable with being away from home for long stretches, FIFO – or fly-in fly-out – jobs might be worth considering for their competitive salaries. These work arrangements are common in industries such as mining, construction and health care with geographically isolated project locations.
Here’s everything you need to know about FIFO jobs, including how they work, the pros and cons, and how to land one.
What Is a FIFO Job?
FIFO stands for fly-in fly-out. With FIFO jobs, an employer temporarily transports employees to remote job sites for shifts, then transports them back for a period of rest. Depending on the company and site, FIFO work schedules can be two weeks on and one week off or eight days on and six days off.
While the mining and energy industries are the most well-known for using FIFO work arrangements, there are also roles in construction, health care, aviation and hospitality (especially in remote locations that are hard to staff with local workers).
The pay for FIFO jobs tends to be competitive, and many companies cover housing, meals and travel. That said, these work arrangements aren't for everyone. “You’ve got to be independent, flexible and OK being away from home for long periods of time,” Daniel Wood, founder and director at the private service agency DM Estate Staffing, said in an email. “One of the yacht chefs we placed had to spend three weeks at sea without a single day off. It’s intense, but for the right person, it can be an incredible career.”
Because of the remote nature of the work, longer shifts and time away from home, FIFO jobs typically pay more. Additionally, many FIFO jobs include free housing, meals and transportation, which can significantly increase take-home pay.
Pros and Cons of FIFO Jobs
Before applying for a FIFO job, consider the pros and cons of this type of work arrangement.
Pros
- Competitive salary
- Free or subsidized housing and meals
- Extended time off between shifts
- Opportunities to save money
Cons
- Long periods away from home
- Physically and mentally demanding work
- Feelings of isolation
- Risk of burnout
How to Find FIFO Jobs
You can find FIFO jobs on most major job boards, including Indeed and ZipRecruiter as well as recruitment agency websites and company websites. If you’re using a general job search site, use keywords such as “FIFO,” “rotational” or “travel required” to narrow your results.
Some unions may also share job openings or connect members to FIFO opportunities, so it’s worth checking with your local chapter. Another great way to get your foot in the door is by joining FIFO-specific Facebook groups or networking with people on LinkedIn who are already in FIFO roles.
Full article @ https://www.usnews.com/careers/articles/what-is-a-fifo-job-and-how-to-find-one