I was enjoying fifo now I’m not

[jayblues]

Hey there,

I’m currently a fifo worker, I was really enjoying it and the money. I was at a site where I wanted to stay long term but a past mistake had stopped me from signing over to a well known company. I had some great mates and got along with everyone there. I’m now at a different site and I truly just don’t like it. I’m starting to miss my friends and family more, I feel very stressed and anxiety. I get angry and snap very quickly when I don’t mean to. I had a passion for my job and it’s always been a dream of mine but now I’ve lost all will power and passion for my job. I’ve been contemplating whether I should do a career change and find something else or stay fifo and keep trying to save for a house. Im really stuck and depressed, I feel lost and just don’t know what to do…. 

[jaz28]

Hi there jayblues,

I am sorry you are struggling with fifo work. My dad works fifo too, so I can see how it is hard to be away for weeks at a time. Is there any reason why you no longer like working there? Aside from missing your friends and family. Did something happen that made you flip the switch?

It is okay to feel stuck, but if you're looking for a career change, ask yourself what you want to do...what career do you want to change to? My dad changed careers twice after being fifo for years, and now he's back doing fifo work, mainly because of the extra money, but also because he lives alone and likes being at the site with his mates now. So it is fine to go off and try something else, you just need to ask yourself what that career change might be.

I would also suggest seeing your doctor about these feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety, they might be able to point you in a good direction and give you some guidance.

I hope things improve soon,

Jaz xx

[geoff]

Hello Jayblues, fifo work is ok if you are single, but as soon as you develop a strong relationship with someone or if you are married and have children which you haven't mentioned, but it then becomes hard, although the money is good.

Sometimes we have to compare getting top money to how you are feeling, and if you think you would be happier being at home with another job, then your mental health is much more important in this process.

No one is perfect and we have to allow making mistakes every now and then and if your willpower in loving this job has been overtaken by stress and anxiety which may then cause some type of depression later on, then you should do what your heart tells you, especially if you are missing your family and friends, because no amount can really overcome this.

If you need to wait another couple of months when you move home, then it may give you the chance to buy another house that's not on the market at the moment.

Geoff.

Life Member.