6 Things I’ve Learned (the Hard Way) as a FIFO Wife

6 Things I’ve Learned (the Hard Way) as a FIFO Wife

Being part of a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) family is one of the most rewarding and challenging ways to live.

I’ve had the unique experience of doing it both abroad (in Croatia) and back home here in Australia.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned? You never really master the lifestyle.
But you do adapt. You grow. You learn what matters most.

Here are 6 things I’ve learned (the hard way) that made all the difference:

1. Support networks aren’t optional they’re survival.
   Especially with young kids. I used to feel guilty asking for help. Or even accepting it. But I’ve learned the hard way that trying to do it all alone is a fast track to burnout.
   Now, we plan our support structures before each swing. Who’s around? Who can help? What do I need in place?
2. Honour each other’s role, even when it feels unfair.
   It’s easy to romanticise the other side. When the school run’s chaotic, the car keys are missing, and the kids are fighting… you think, “Lucky them, sitting at a desk all day.”
   But I started flipping the script: No toddler cuddles. No sweet ‘I love yous.’ Just silence and spreadsheets for 21 days straight.
   This kind of mutual empathy kept us connected, even from across the world.
3. Anchor your family with planned activities.
   When we moved to Croatia, we made sure the kids still had sports, playdates, outings, a sense of normalcy. Routine gives the whole family a sense of grounding, even when life’s rotating.
4. Financial contribution is more than income.
   If one partner’s taking care of the home and raising kids full-time, that is a job. A big one.
   We found ways to recognise the value of each other’s roles and it made a huge difference to our peace at home.
5. Go big on off-time.
   Three weeks at home? Make them count.
   Mini breaks, beach days, concerts, sporting events we learned to fill that time with memories, not just errands.
6. Rituals are mental health gold.
   This one changed everything for me.
   The day before Damir flies out: new sheets, clean car, a movie queued up after bedtime.
   The day before he returns: a little tidy-up, a familiar meal, the kids excited. These tiny rituals set the tone and helped me mentally switch gears.