Thread: FIFO - 2 on 2 off? Advice?

Don't, You're family is more important

I did it quite a bit a few years ago, I was on 21/7.

My children were young and they understood that dad wasn't always home , but we made up for it when he was.

I was rostered on for 2 xmasses and 2 easters , but it was explained why , they understood , and they had easter/xmas with mum and then again when dad came home.

They thought it was terrific getting two shots at it.

East Freo, it's really up to you and your relationship with your family whether it will effect both you and them.

We had 450 workers cycling and yes , many didn't cope, but the employer then demanded that parteners attend a pre-employment interview as well.

I got tired of the constant flying in and out and I did it more often as I had other duties but racked up a considerable amount of flying points with Qantas which we used later.

Discuss it at length with wife and children if possible, if you all understand do it. You will be able to enjoy the 2wk offroster better.

Go for it,you are home 6 months of the year,you'll spend plenty of time with your kids,2 on 2 off is the best roster IMHO. Pat

2 on & 2 off sound alright.
Not very long away & home for a reasonable amount of time, especially if the pays good.
I am coming to the end of 3 on & 1 off. Have been doing this for 2.5 years & due to staff shortages/leaving I have ended up doing 7-9 on then 1-2 off more regularly than I would like.
With 5 kids this has been difficult at times.

I'll give you a big hint! Your SWMBO has to be independent, resourceful & very strong!
Talk to her by phone/Skype every day & don't tell her your problems, listen to hers.
BTW never say "What do you expect me to do about it?" That's near divorce stuff. I found out!

So, I would do it IF your SWMBO agrees & understands that while you are away it will (at times) be difficult.

One other thing. When you are at home, unpack properly, or you end up like a visitor in your own house & go with SWMBO's rules & systems.

Jonesfam

Jonesfam has it right. Been there done that and family no1, with your kids old enough to be a real part of the decision making process. I'd be looking at at least a 25% income increase to justify and to put the extra money to some definitive "banked" use, be it education, house or ???
My SiL (30s) is on the Norwegian roster in Onslow, with an ex career wife and 1 year old daughter at home - not easy.
Norwegian = 2 on 2 off 2 on 4 off and definitely better, but still a wrench to leave home.
Can also depend how far away. A nephew (also 30s with 1 year old son) lives in NZ (Kiwi wife) but works 2 and 2 in the NW.
Be very sure of good discussions with partner, and also good to have a fallback in case despite everything, it just doesn't work for you.
Plus 12 hour shifts away can = a couple of useless to anyone recovery days when you first get home.
Be sure little grasshopper!

As per everything above. If your relationship is strong and you make the most of home time you'll be fine..

If it's not strong/solid then just be warned it can be the end of the relationship..

Also if you aren't strong and independent then it's easy to become depressed on site and I've seen the results of this - never good..

Me, I loved it and my wife and I have a great relationship and made the most of my time back in town.

And for **** sake - do NOT fall into the money trap - live as you are and clear debt.

Do NOT start living to the income, it's a recipe for certain disaster.

Would think twice if you already have an interesting well paid job in Perth , in reality the 26 weeks at home is a bit of a myth , as it feels like you feel the 26 weeks away more as you are actually not at home for 6 months of the year .

Also depends on your age , need to be sure that you can be re- employed if things go tits up .

living in camps and mess food can get you down and 12 Hr shifts are not fun either , and if it is shift work , you are coming home at the end of a 12hr night shift on your 1st day off .

As all above and especially Tombies last post . It is not all bad but their are a lot of things to consider especially with young children in the picture . Any way good luck with it if decide to take it on .