FIFO, is the money worth it?

[Cherished]

We thought about it around 12 months ago. There are lots of FIFO jobs in dh's field so we got plenty of feedback from others who have done it. The main feedback was that the men felt like they weren't needed at home anymore. The wife has to learn how to do everything on her own with the kids and just running the house full stop. Even if something needs fixing and it can't wait until the man is home then woman ends up organising that sort of thing too. Paying the bills etc etc really doing everything. The feedback we got was that the men didn't like not being 'needed' at home iykwim. But there's plenty of men who would love that to bits! For us dh currently spends 6 days at home out of 8 so he's really on a winner as it is and at this point spending time with ds is way more important to us than the extra money of the FIFO job. We might look into it again in the future? I think it does come dowon to having that extra moeny and the quality time you get to spend with eachother when he's home. Plus if you have more money to do things that you wouldn't have got to do otherwise then that can be great too.

[Feijoa Mum]

Thanks ladies, some good points to think about.

Yes DH is a very hands on Dad and our babies absolutely love him to bits. He currently works shift and because there is no overtime, he is only doing 3 12 hr days a week. This means he is here quite a bit and they are stuck to him pretty much sun up to sun down somedays

I can see the time apart as been a good thing as too be honest he does get on my tits sometimes(whose doesnt?) but then again me having to do EVERYTHING would be very hard and draining too. I cant see it as been a long term thing but the money certainly is very appealing.

I am pretty self reliant anyway as my DH is the king of "gonna" It use to drive me insane but I soon learnt the best way to get him to do was to threaten to get someone in (preferably young hot and gorgeous ) or attempt to do it myself which frustrates the snot out of him so he does it, when I want not when he gets round to it

Hmmmmm I dunno what to think? Would you do it?

[LuluHB]

I wouldn't do it, but that's me and that's our relationship and home life. Like I said, we're struggling with money given the exchange rate of US to Aus $ and we have talked at times about DH getting a different job, but we all love the fact that he is home all the time with a very flexible work schedule so is really involved with the girls - eg today he came with the girls to their swimming lessons, had lunch with us, took them for a swim in our pool and after a "longer than normal work day" will be back "home" by 5pm or so. He has literally been there when they have learned to walk, talk and do everything for the first time so that's pretty special. Like you said, it drives me nuts sometimes that he is constantly around - seriously no need for a "how was your day dear?" conversation but that's a small price to pay.

Having said that, if things were really tough and got desperate then sure, I'd be packing his bags and waving him goodbye at the airport but that would be a serious last resort option for our family.

Everyone is different though and really, my view or anyone else's is pretty irrelevant. Some families love FIFO and wouldn't have it any other way. Some hate it and can't wait to finish doing it. Its what you think will benefit your family the most that counts.

[onthefly]

Lots of people do it. Some I know think it's good, some not. My general impression is that it makes raising a family and keeping a relationship together harder.
I would hate for DH to be away so much and to miss so much. I don't want to make do and get on on my own, you know? I want a partner who's here when I need him.