Yesterday I did a tour of this huge mine site that Im working at. Theres a lot of construction works going on that Forge left behind, now taken over by other contractors. Still see a couple Forge vehicles parked up. Seeing this and the construction works made me sad and angry. Sad because I miss this challenging, fast paced work, where you can see engineering come to life and be involved in making that happen. Angry because of the upheaval to me and hundreds of others at a time in the industry where its not easy to pick up the same calibre of work, and I hear that most Forge workers still have not been paid all that they are owed. Angry that I have only been able to find temp work on a casual basis. Im probably one of the very few FIFO workers who actually enjoyed my job and looked forward to being part of something big. Im also one if the few who complained about my job because I sure knew how things can change so quick - unlike what I see on social media lately. I really struggle with people who complain about FIFO work. FIFO has given me the opportunity to pay off debts I never would have paid off, its given me a better chance to up skill and diversify, it means that my husband can go back to an apprenticeship whilst I work FIFO to cover the costs. Its meant Ive been able to be a bit more generous and get ahead with my mortgage. Yes its been tough and Ive sacrificed my life to work away. Contrary to popular opinion I dont have a holiday every rnr, I usually catch up on sleep the first few days lol. I cannot deny that FIFO does change you somewhat. But for me, FIFO has allowed so many good things to happen. Life can change so quick. The job you hate today, you might not have tomorrow and you might not pick up another job for a long time - because for every person who complains about what they have to do to earn the 3k per week wages (Ive never earned that much btw but this is average for skilled trades) you can be sure that there will be at least 5 other guys ready and waiting to fill your role. So as much as Im disappointed about not being in construction any more, I sure am grateful for the work I have now and for the opportunities I have been blessed with. Its a privilege, not a right, to work FIFO, I certainly dont take it for granted.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:55:23 +0000
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