Three young families who have made the switch from FIFO to residential mining explain their experience.
Uprooting your family and moving out into the bush to take a residential mining role is a big decision. It could mean your partner giving up their career, your kids changing school, and it will certainly mean being hours away from your family and friends.
But is it all worth it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the residential mining lifestyle? We spoke to three people who have done it, to see what they had to say.
Case Study 1: The newlyweds with a newborn
When and where did you move to (and from)?
We moved from Perth suburbia to a small privately owned town in the Goldfields of WA in April 2017.
Why the decision to move? Why not take a FIFO role? What were the considerations?
We had been aware of the residential opportunities available to us through my husband’s company for a few years prior to our eventual relocation, but the timing hadn’t been right for us.
We enjoyed the FIFO lifestyle for more than nine years. I was working full-time and focusing on my career in Perth whilst he worked 1:1. We were engaged or possibly newlyweds with a very busy social life, so it just wasn’t something we jumped at.
Fast-forward a few years and, after having our first baby and becoming a full-time mum, our circumstances had clearly changed and “flying out” was becoming harder on everyone. So, we thought, why be apart each swing when we have an opportunity to be together each day? It’s an opportunity we knew was rare and is one that so many other partners and families on other Australian mine sites wish was available to them. We applied and we haven’t looked back since.
How big or difficult a decision was it to make, in the end?
In the end it simply came down to “why be apart when we can be together”.
What are the three main advantages to a residential mining role?
The primary advantage is that we get to be a family each and every day of the year. Financially, we are saving money, so that’s always a positive outcome and, thirdly, we consider living in a small community is an advantage.
What are the three main disadvantages?
Living in a remote town within the West Australian goldfields region can present some disadvantages, too. We are quite isolated, which we enjoy, but we’re more than 300 kilometres away from the nearest town with a hospital, commercial supermarket, drive-through takeaway, and so on. Should you be looking for work, there is fierce competition for local job vacancies. Oh, and lastly, I guess the snakes are an issue, too.
If someone is thinking about moving their family for a residential role, what advice would you give them? What do you wish you knew before you moved?
My advice would be to ask yourselves “what do we have to lose?” If you think you’ll regret not making the move, then I suggest you consider it. I strongly recommend you and your family visit the town first and, if possible, the house you’ll be moving into. That will make the transition a lot easier on everyone.
Personally, I also find it a lot easier knowing when we will be seeing family back in Perth next.
Ask the local residents for tips on what to bring with you. They’ll be able to suggest things you wouldn’t have thought to bring, because you haven’t lived in the town before.
And, finally, what's the plan, long-term? Will you be in the bush forever?
Long-term we hope to enjoy this adventure for several more years and save as much as we can in that time. Then we’ll probably return to Perth suburbia before our eldest nears high school enrolment.
Case Study 2: The young family of three
When and where did you move to (and from)?
We moved to the WA Goldfields in January 2017 from Perth. We moved because my husband wanted to be with his family. We have a young child. The reasons were also financial. BHP owns the houses out here, so we’re saving a lot on bills and we’re renting out our house in Perth. Having my hubby at home every day is amazing and, especially because he still has his R&R. We were a FIFO family before and, having a child to raise, it was just too difficult for both me and my husband.
How big or difficult a decision was it to make, in the end?
It was a simple solution. Not difficult at all to make.
What are the three main advantages to a residential mining role?
- Husband home every night
- The money
- The amazing community out here.
What are the three main disadvantages?
- Husband home every night
- Being away from family
- The large traveling distance to the shops.
If someone is thinking about moving their family for a residential role, what advice would you give them? What do you wish you knew before you moved?
Make sure you have a trailer and a decent car. You’ll need a chest freezer and a large fridge to store all of your large shopping goods, as you have to buy bulk.
And, finally, what’s the plan, long-term? Will you be in the bush forever?
Plan is to stay as long as we are comfortable and if the school is good for our child.
Case Study 3: The young family of four
When and where did you move to (and from)?
We moved in September 2016 from Perth to Leinster in WA.
How big or difficult a decision was it to make, in the end?
We decided to move so we could be a family and our little girls could see their daddy every night, which is also why I couldn’t take a FIFO role as there would be no one to look after our children.
My husband’s family live on the other side of Australia, so myself and the children were his only tie to Perth. And even though I miss my family terribly I was ready for an adventure, and being together as a family made it an easy decision for us
What are the three main advantages to a residential mining role?
My husband’s view? It’s easier to do overtime, you get to see the family every day, and if you own property in Perth you can rent it out and get ahead with your finances.
What are the three main disadvantages?
One of the main disadvantages is not having family support when you are struggling and need help. The lack of medical help available is also a major concern, especially when we have two small children. There is also only one supermarket in town, so there is no competition for prices and you have to pay whatever they charge. And don’t forget, you can’t run out and get takeaway if you don’t want to cook!
If someone is thinking about moving their family for a residential role, what advice would you give them? What do you wish you knew before you moved?
Our only advice would be to have a visit first so you’re not blindsided by how remote you actually are and you can see what it’s really like.
And, finally, what’s the plan, long-term? Will you be in the bush forever?
Our plan is to pay off our loans and buy our forever home in Perth. We won’t be in the bush forever, but we’ll be here for a few more years.
If you and your family are ready for a lifestyle change and want to try a residential mining job, get in touch with the team at Mining People International. Our expert recruiters will help you find the perfect role to help you spend a little more time with your family.