When FIFO Life Gets Tough: Support for Struggling FIFO Families

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work can provide financial stability and opportunity, but it often comes at an emotional cost — especially for families. If you’re part of a FIFO family, you know the rhythm of hellos and goodbyes, the loneliness of long stints apart, and the pressure of keeping things running at home while your partner works away.If your family is struggling, you're not alone — and you're not doing anything wrong. This lifestyle is hard. But there are ways to ease the mental and emotional toll.

The Emotional Weight of FIFO Life

Many FIFO families experience a mix of stress, sadness, resentment, and guilt — and it can hit everyone differently:- Children may feel confused or act out when a parent leaves (or returns).- Partners at home may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or isolated.- The FIFO worker may struggle with loneliness, exhaustion, or pressure to “make it worth it.” The constant readjustment can feel like a never-ending cycle of disruption.

Recognising the Mental Health Impact

It’s important to acknowledge the signs that FIFO life may be taking a toll:- Irritability or emotional outbursts- Trouble sleeping- Feelings of disconnect or resentment- Increased anxiety, especially around swing changes- Withdrawal or numbnessThese are all normal responses to an abnormal lifestyle — but they don’t have to become your new normal.

Tips for Supporting Struggling FIFO Families

1. Create Predictable Routines at Home

Kids and adults alike thrive on routine. Establish regular mealtimes, screen-free family time, and clear expectations around chores and responsibilities. It brings a sense of control and stability to an unpredictable lifestyle.

2. Stay Connected in Small, Consistent Ways

Instead of relying only on big, emotional catch-up calls, try short daily check-ins — a morning message, a silly meme, or a bedtime story over video. These little touchpoints matter. You may not be able to find time for long calls, this is completely normal, but a small chat or even a quick goodnight can make all the difference. It helps both partners and children feel connected even when apart.

3. Talk Honestly (But Age-Appropriately) With Your Kids

Reassure them that experiencing sadness, confusion, or anger about the FIFO lifestyle is normal. This lifestyle offers many great opportunities, such as allowing mum to stay home while the kids are young or enabling the family to travel more frequently. However, it can also be quite challenging. Open and honest discussions can help reduce feelings of shame and make them feel recognized and supported.

4. Give Each Other Grace

One of the hardest parts of FIFO life is the constant adjustment between being together and being apart. Re-entry days — when the FIFO worker returns home — can be unexpectedly tense or emotionally charged. There’s pressure to make the most of the time together, but everyone’s operating in a different rhythm.

The at-home partner has been in solo-parenting or managing mode, often running on low sleep and high stress. Meanwhile, the FIFO worker may be physically exhausted or emotionally distant from being away and in work-mode. When those two worlds collide, it’s easy for misunderstandings or resentment to arise.

Here’s how to make those transitions a little smoother:

• Lower your expectations on “perfect reunions.” Instead of planning something big, allow space to settle in.

• Acknowledge the awkwardness. It’s normal to feel disconnected at first — don’t panic. Connection often returns with time and patience.

• Check in gently. A simple “How are you feeling about being back?” or “What’s something you need this week?” can open space for communication.

• Avoid blame. If something goes wrong or feels off, approach it as a team rather than as opponents. Grace gives room for mistakes, misunderstandings, and repairs.

  
  

Grace doesn’t mean ignoring real issues — it means approaching them with empathy, patience, and a willingness to rebuild together. Every swing is a chance to reconnect, reset expectations, and strengthen your bond.

5. Prioritise Your Own Mental Health

In the hustle and bustle of FIFO life, it’s easy to forget that you, as the partner at home, are also carrying a heavy load. Between managing the home, looking after kids, and supporting your FIFO partner, your own mental health can quickly take a backseat. However, neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout, frustration, and even resentment.

Here's why putting your mental health first is essential for you and your family:

• You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you’re emotionally drained or physically exhausted, you’re less able to give your best self to your kids, your partner, or your work. Taking care of your mental health ensures you have the energy and patience to handle daily challenges.

• You set an example for your family. When your children see you taking time for yourself — whether it’s through exercise, journaling, or a therapy session — they learn that self-care is not only acceptable but essential. Similarly, your FIFO partner will better understand the importance of taking care of themselves too.

• It helps you build resilience. FIFO life is full of stressors, and maintaining your mental health allows you to bounce back more easily during challenging times. The more you take care of yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with the ups and downs of this lifestyle.

  
  

Tips for prioritising your mental health:

• Set aside “me time.” Whether it’s a walk in nature, a bath, or reading a book, carving out personal time each day is essential. Even 15 minutes can make a world of difference.

• Talk to someone. Don’t carry the emotional burden alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional, talking things through can help alleviate stress and provide much-needed perspective.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation. Simple mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or guided meditation, can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.

• Get active. Physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your mood and energy levels. A quick walk or a yoga session can help clear your mind and refresh your body.

  
  

Looking after your mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. By taking care of yourself, you not only improve your own life but also positively impact your family and relationship. You deserve the space to recharge, and doing so will make you better able to handle the demands of FIFO life and support your FIFO family..

You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to “Just Cope”

Many FIFO families silently struggle, believing they should be grateful, or that “this is just how it is.” But you deserve support, too.

Reach Out When You’re Ready- support for FIFO families

If your FIFO lifestyle is starting to feel like it's taking more than it's giving, it might be time to talk. You're not weak. You're not failing. You're human — and support is available.