HOW DO YOU KNOW IF FIFO/DIDO IS RIGHT FOR YOU? People from all walks and stages of life are employed as FIFO workers in the resources sector, from young singles to new parents and empty nesters. Many factors influence a person’s ability to adapt to the lifestyle. It has to suit your temperament, your personal life and your interests. When deciding if this is the right choice for you, it may be helpful for you to answer the questions in the box opposite. They won’t make the decision for you, but will help you to weigh up the pros and cons of the lifestyle.
WEIGHING UP THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF FIFO
BENEFITS »
Financially rewarding Freedom to choose where you live
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Extended periods of time off to spend with friends and family and to pursue interests
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Maintain access to friends and family
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Access to quality facilities and services, e.g. schools hospitals.
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Greater freedom to change jobs without uprooting family
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Greater job satisfaction and career progression
CHALLENGES
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Work environment can be challenging with long hours, fatigue, and an extreme climate
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Periods of separation from friends and family Feelings of loneliness and social isolation Mental health issues Unhealthy lifestyle habits
Financial rewards can lead to financial over-commitment
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Substance abuse temptation Relationship stresses
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOURSELF? KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO WHAT CONDITIONS WILL BE LIKE.
Do a bit of research on the internet about the location where you will be working, including the climate, nearby communities, and nearby natural attractions you may want to visit on your RDOs. You may be away at work but this is also an opportunity for you to visit and explore new and interesting places that many people never get a chance to visit.
IS REMOTE WORK RIGHT FOR YOU?
YES
NO MAYBE
1. Do you understand the climatic conditions you will be working in? Are you confident you can cope in the climate? 2. Have you done FIFO/DIDO work before? Was your previous experience successful? 3. Can you cope with living for extended periods away from your friends & family? 4. Are you aware that the time you are away from home might not only include your roster, but also the time it takes you to travel to and from site? 5. Have you ever experienced significant loneliness when away from home? 6. Have you ever experienced periods of depression? 7. Do you think that being away from friends and family might trigger episodes of feeling down or depressed? 8. Do you have a good support network that can help your partner our if needed? 9. Are you confident you can manage if you get a call to say there is a domestic emergency? 10. Are you happy with the roster length offered by Morris Corporation? 11. Do you have commitments or interests that you would be able to pursue if you worked remotely, such as team sports? 12. If you have children, how important is it to you that you attend all their events? 13. Ask yourself, “Morris Corp offer good practice arrangements for FIFO/DIDO workers”?
FIFO + DIDO GUIDE
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