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It’s been said that a FIFO relationship is one of the hardest kinds to handle.

It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you’re on; whether you’re the one working away or missing your loved one from home, the stress on the relationship is experienced by both parties. Special family events are harder to coordinate, communication levels tend to break down and even the most organised families can struggle to stick to household routines. But all hope isn’t lost!

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and for many, this ‘space’ provides a healthy outcome for some couples. But FIFO lifestyle does have a strong tendency to take its toll on even the strongest, happiest of relationships. Whilst there’s no such things as the perfect couple or relationship, working through the FIFO lifestyle and the ups and downs that come with it is essential. Here’s a few tips to negotiate past the tricky issues in FIFO relationships.

Recognise the top issues

Despite all relationships having their own individual problems, FIFO couples in particular, experience the three top issues – communication, how time is spent and intimacy. For the relationship to be healthy, you both need to take action in recognising these issues and avoid sweeping them under the rug. Dealing with the ‘big’ things whilst the spouse is away will eliminate any shock factor when they return home too.

Communication levels should always be open. Know what the hot topics are that you argue about and plan how you can avoid going over the same grounds. Use unique ways to stay connected whilst your partner is away working. Phone calls and texts can be tedious at times. Be creative and use video call, letters and notes left in their suitcase as communication surprises. Don’t expect to have long, deep and meaningful conversations every day and avoid criticising each other.

Be realistic about how time is spent when your spouse returns. It’s hard, but important to not take it personally if they are riddled with fatigue from work and unable to participate in family activities. Instead, allow them some down time coming home from work to recoup prior. Sex and intimacy should still stay connected whilst they’re away. Discuss your intimacy needs and understand what it is that makes your other half feel the most loved. Avoid emotionally disconnecting yourself from each other whilst away and think of creative ideas to spice things up.

Set a timeline and specific goals

Many couples commit to the FIFO lifestyle to set themselves up. Regardless of the reason for needing to work away though, it can be helpful to have a timeline in mind. This sheds some light at the end of the tunnel if it’s just a temporary commitment and keeps you both looking forward and working towards the end goal.

Keep your joint goals specific so you can see the value in the decision to work away. Creating goals and a timeline as a couple or family is one of the best ways to see how the hard work is paying off. Maybe you’re saving for a house and committing to the lifestyle for 2 years to make it happen. Whatever the reason, keeping to an agreed upon arrangement and having an exit plan can add a positive approach to the mix. Write out the biggest challenges your facing as a couple through the FIFO lifestyle and what goals can help break them.

Become a passionate planner

One of the biggest issues FIFO couples face is how time is spent when they come home from work. Special family events won’t always fall on a day when the one working away can be there – and they miss this event for a number of years. Discuss as a family how you’re going to plan these events and utilise video calls to make everyone feel like they’re home.

FIFO relationships make you become a passionate planner. You need to be organised about special events and find different ways to make it work. If they’re away for their birthday, send them a surprise package or hide gifts and notes in their suitcase before they leave. Planning is the key to successful FIFO relationships. Be ready for your spouse to fly out early or have to stay on site later, cutting into valuable plans you’ve both made together. Keeping communication open and understanding it’s hard on both of you will ease the pressure. Don’t make each other feel guilty for not making a special event, working as team is essential. And when all else fails, go back to your goals and plans to remind yourself why you’re both doing what you’re doing.

Be on the same page with discipline as your children grow older

Children are resilient beings, but will still find it hard to handle mum or dad leaving for long periods of time going to work – especially when it comes to discipline. Take time to draw up some family rules and involve the kids if they’re old enough, so they feel like they have a say too. Be as open and upfront with them to help them cope and express their worries.

Both you and your spouse need to have the space to be a parent. Be on the same page as each other when it comes to how your children are disciplined. Having different rules when one parent is home to when both are living in the house only confuses them and creates more stress in the household.

Put the relationship first

Whilst family time is vital, it’s essential you make time for each other without the kids too. Plan date nights and find ways that work for you both to keep the relationship alive. Consider each other’s needs and what you’re prepared to do for each other to meet them (away and at home). Know when to give your partner down time after working away but always make time for the relationship too.

FIFO relationships aren’t all stress and exhaustion. Once healthy boundaries and plans are set, it’s an opportunity to learn how strong your relationship is and discover a new appreciation for one another. With a FIFO relationship comes powerful rewards; not just financially but for you both as a couple and individuals too.

Are you a FIFO spouse? Share some tips with us in the comments.

Image source: Pexels

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  • I hope I’m not over-stepping the boundaries here – I am a FIFO Guy and stumbled over this article while looking for something completely different. Completely up to you if you’d like to shun my comment :-)

    Having been in the FIFO game for 18 years (I’m in my late 30’s now) I love this article. It’s got the right amount of quality information and tips for anyone looking to enter the big wide world of FIFO Relationships. It does not matter if you’re single looking to date or are in a long term relationship with a guy doing the FIFO gig – it’s still relevant.

    The biggest issue I’ve found maintaining relationships in the FIFO land is communication. It needs to happen! Both parties need to be able to communicate openly and honestly, irrespective of where the FIFO partner is at the time – an issue will not resolve itself when left alone.

    I’m my time ‘out west’ I’ve had many failed relationships. About 80% of them were due to infidelity (it was NOT acts of my doing) while I was out at work – including the mother of my daughter (before our daughters’ first birthday). It’s definitely a hard pill to swallow as a bloke when the communication ceases and you fly home to an empty house with a ‘dear John’ sitting on the kitchen bench and wifey is already staying at ‘said-John’s’ house.

    That aside, a FIFO Relationship that works for both parties is a fantastic and rewarding thing. Some of the benefits have already been mentioned in the comments below mine – touché ladies.

    Communicate openly, lovingly, freely, often and fairly – everyone has the right to an opinion and to be heard & appreciated. If you’re not getting that in return, please don’t aim weapons to resolve/obtain information – fight or flight will kick in.

    Most of all, love yourself, your partner and any kids you may have – life is too short to be a grump!

    Cheers ????????
    Bloke

    Reply

  • The children miss their Dad too. They are going to want time with him too.
    Working out the balance can be very difficult. Dad comes home, brings a last couple of days washing home with him – let’s face it he can’t come home and not have some not done. They often start work again only a few hours after getting back or if their flight is late, go straight to work. Dad is tired, the kids are excited and you need a break. Maybe ask the grandparents to have the kids for a sleepover so you at least have some time as a couple.

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  • I would have thrived in a FIFO relationship. I love it when hubby’s not around, I love it when he’s home too.

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  • My partner did a stint FIFO as a trades assistant in South Australia. It was pre kids. It was on one of his weeks off that bub number 1 was conceived :)

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  • I am not a FIFO spouse but you never know it could happen in the future.

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  • Where I live (WA) a lot of families have a FIFO worker dad. I think it can be very hard when you have very small kids. You need a lot of planning indeed and also help. But at least, with the high salary you get, you can afford to take beautiful holidays with the family when the father is back. I think that working 2 weeks away and be back 1 week is quite good. I find it a lot harder when FIFO workers are away for 3, sometimes even 4 weeks. If you have small kids you just miss too much. I wouldn’t be able to do that.

    Reply

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