Introduction: Life on Rotation
Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) jobs are a cornerstone of the Western Australian economy, particularly in mining, oil, and gas. But behind the steady income and career growth, FIFO workers and their partners often face a silent struggle: maintaining a strong and connected relationship while living in two separate worlds.
FIFO couples often struggle with emotional disconnection, poor communication, parenting imbalance, loneliness, and mental health concerns. The alternating routine of presence and absence can cause stress and relationship strain for both partners.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over 60,000 workers are employed under FIFO conditions in WA alone ABS, 2023. The structure of FIFO work — often 2 or 3 weeks away followed by 1 week at home — disrupts routines, intimacy, and emotional connection. Over time, this strain can lead to communication breakdowns, conflict, mental health concerns, and even separation.
At Vision Counselling, we’ve worked with FIFO couples across Perth and regional WA, helping them rebuild connection, strengthen trust, and navigate their unique lifestyle challenges.
The Real Cost of FIFO: Relationship and Mental Health Impact
1. Disrupted Intimacy and Communication
FIFO schedules disrupt the natural rhythms of connection. Many couples describe the difficulty of “starting over” emotionally each time the FIFO partner returns.
- Emotional disconnection builds with time apart.
- Miscommunication becomes common, especially via texts or brief calls.
- Some partners feel like “ships in the night”, never quite aligning emotionally or physically.
Research from Curtin University found that FIFO workers reported higher levels of work–life conflict and relationship dissatisfaction than non-FIFO workers.
2. Parenting Pressure and Uneven Responsibilities
In FIFO families, the at-home partner often takes on the bulk of parenting, home maintenance, and emotional labour — sometimes for weeks at a time.
- This can lead to exhaustion and resentment.
- The FIFO partner may return feeling like an outsider or “visitor.”
- Re-establishing parenting roles can become a recurring source of tension.
Children, too, may struggle. Sudden shifts between connection and absence can affect their emotional development and behaviour.
Tip: Regular video calls, shared calendars, and predictable routines can help ease the transitions for children and reduce stress for both parents.
3. Mental Health Concerns and Isolation
FIFO work is associated with increased mental health challenges. A 2021 report by the WA Mental Health Commission found that FIFO workers experience 30% higher psychological distress compared to the general population (WA MHC, 2021).
Common issues include:
- Loneliness and isolation on-site
- Depression and anxiety from long hours and separation
- Substance misuse as a coping mechanism
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Partners at home also report feeling emotionally unsupported and socially isolated, especially if they’ve relocated for the job.
FIFO Relationship Breakdown: When Stress Replaces Connection
Over time, unaddressed stress and disconnection can lead to:
- Frequent arguments or conflict cycles
- Emotional withdrawal and “numbing”
- Trust issues, especially around infidelity or secrecy
- Growing feelings of “leading separate lives”
- Increased risk of relationship breakdown or divorce
Real Talk: FIFO couples aren’t doomed — but staying emotionally close requires conscious effort, open communication, and sometimes professional support.
How FIFO Couples Can Thrive: Practical Strategies
1. Schedule Quality Time
Don’t leave connection to chance. Plan meaningful time together:
- Have regular “date nights” — even if at home
- Take short weekend getaways on breaks
- Use shared apps to plan and anticipate time together
2. Stay Emotionally Connected While Apart
Small gestures help bridge the gap:
- Daily voice notes or messages
- Sending photos of daily life
- Using shared journals or apps to track moods and thoughts
3. Talk About More Than Logistics
It’s easy to slip into routines focused only on bills, rosters, and chores. Make space for emotional sharing:
- Ask: “How are you really feeling today?”
- Share hopes and worries, not just schedules
4. Use Counselling Early, Not Late
FIFO couples often wait until things are falling apart before seeking support. But early intervention makes a huge difference.
At Vision Counselling, we work with FIFO couples on:
- Improving communication
- Rebuilding trust
- Managing transitions between on-site and home life
- Parenting support
You can access in-person counselling in Perth or secure online counselling, which works well for FIFO workers while on rotation.
Internal Support Options at Vision Counselling
✔ Relationship Counselling in Perth
✔ Online Counselling Australia-Wide
✔ NDIS Mental Health Support
✔ Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
External FIFO Support Resources
- FIFO Focus – FIFO-specific support services, education, and training.
- Resources from Lifeline WA – 24/7 crisis support and mental health advice.
- Beyond Blue – Tools and support for mental health, anxiety, and relationship stress.
- Mates in Mining – Peer-based mental health and suicide prevention programs in the resources sector.
Infographic: Top 5 Stressors in FIFO Relationships
I’ll generate an infographic for you — would you like it square (social format) or vertical (for a blog insert)?
Distance Doesn’t Have to Mean Disconnection
FIFO work doesn’t automatically doom a relationship — but it does demand greater awareness, planning, and support. You and your partner can learn to manage emotional distance, communicate more effectively, and turn rotation schedules into manageable rhythms.
Need help navigating FIFO life?
Vision Counselling is here to support you — both individually and as a couple — to strengthen your relationship no matter where you are.
➡️ Book an Appointment
📍 Visit us in Perth, Scarborough, Baldivis, Belmont and Byford. Telehealth services for FIFO are also available.
