A young FIFO worker has revealed how she can earn thousands of pounds every week working as a fly-in, fly-out cleaner in remote mining camps.
Belgian national Janne D’Huyvetter, 29, says the job helps her pay for her travels around Australia and earns up to $2,650 a week.
Ms D’Huyvetter said it is easy for her to save money as she does not have to spend on things like a gym, accommodation, food or going out as everything is taken care of at the camp.
‘Each mine site has a recreation room with table tennis and pool table. Most also have a swimming pool, gym and bar.
The food is of course free and the chefs make it a party every day.’
Belgian citizen Janne D’Huyvetter, 29, earns up to $2,650 a week working in Western Australian mines
She said checking her bank account after just two weeks of work was “very satisfying.”
Ms D’Huyvetter also pointed out that the government only taxes people on working holiday visas if they earn more than $45,000, making it easier to save money quickly.
‘I don’t say this to show off, because the work can be incredibly hard. But it gives me financial freedom. And this is what I was looking for,” she explained.
‘Mining jobs often come with competitive wages, providing financial stability during your Working Holiday Visa experience.’
She normally works 12 hours a day for a fortnight before having a week off, which she uses to travel around Australia.
‘Your work in the mines can coincide with exploring Australia’s natural wonders in your spare time.
‘You even have the time and money to travel outside Australia. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best combination there is for travelers on a WHV.’
She said those who work in utilities such as catering or cleaning can earn between $34 and $39 an hour, meaning they take home $2,618 to $3,024 a week.
Those who work as trading assistants earn slightly more and are paid between $39 and $55 per hour, which equates to a weekly salary of $3,024 to $4,620 per week.
However, she admitted that it wasn’t easy at first.
“I remember my reaction when I went back to my room after the second day of my first swing: ‘Wtf, I want to go home now,’” she wrote.
“I didn’t really realize what I was getting myself into, but all I could think about was, this is temporary; think of the money to travel and have your freedom.
“It is essential to weigh these disadvantages against the potential benefits, such as higher wages and financial freedom often associated with FIFO roles,” she advised.
She also said that the work has disadvantages ‘and that it really demands a lot from your body, mentally and physically’.
‘During the day it can reach 48 degrees in some places, and literally no human being is made to function properly for twelve hours in this kind of weather.
‘You may end up in a place where people don’t want to be your friends and working for a fortnight without much social contact feels terrible.’
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FIFO CSLIMMER
4am: We start by getting up early.
5 a.m.: After a thorough pre-start meeting, it’s time to dive into the day’s tasks, setting the agenda for what lies ahead.
5:20 am: Coffee becomes the faithful companion when preparing the cleaning cart and inspecting the areas that need attention.
5:30 am: Drawing up a strategic plan paves the way for an efficient approach to household tasks so that everything is in order.
7:00 am: Breakfast time. There are so many choices, but most days I stick to eggs, mushrooms, raw vegetables, yogurt and watermelon. Not too heavy to get back to work. I also pack my lunch to take back to my room since the dry dining room is not open during lunch.
7.45 am: From there it’s a focused sprint until noon, with the morning spent carefully cleaning and organizing. I try to do most of the rooms so I have more space to relax after lunch.
12.00: Lunch provides a welcome break in my room before I duck back in to finish up any pending tasks.
1 O’CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON: Finish the rooms that need cleaning.
4.45 pm: I fill the trolley and put it back where it belongs.
5:00 PM: Return keys and list of rooms to be cleaned.
The rest of the evening you are free to do whatever you want. Go out to dinner, go to the gym, go swimming or hang out with your friends at the bar. (You are only allowed to drink 4 beers per evening.
Disadvantages of the job include long shifts, work-life balance, health problems and extreme heat
JANNE’S BEST TIPS FOR GETTING A FIFO JOB
Ms D’Huyvetter suggests that if you are looking for a job in mining, you should consider positions such as trade assistant, catering, kitchen assistant, housekeeping and cleaning.
‘Of course other mining jobs may pay higher, but they require more qualifications. However, these roles are easy to step into.’
1. CREATE AN IRRESISTIBLE CV: Mention any relevant experience.
2. SEND CV TO AN AGENCY: Mijnen works with agencies such as Collar Group, Sodexo and FMG.
3. TACKLE NUMEROUS QUESTIONNAIRE: About your work history, health and more.
4. REGISTER MEDICAL TESTS: Physical, drug and alcohol tests.
5. GET YOUR UNIFORM.
6. FULL ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE INDUCTIONS: Covers mine specifications, safety, chemicals and food processing.
7. PATIENTLY WAITING FOR THE CALL FROM THE OFFICE: Confirming your first swing.
8. FLY TO YOUR MINE PLACE AND DIVE IN!
Janine shares tips on Instagram for those looking for a FIFO job. Click here to follow.
Janne said benefits include high earning potential, entry-level jobs, working holiday visa community and attractive schedules (photo, mining accommodation)