BRITISH EXPAT BLASTS 'GLAMOURISED' FIFO WORK IN AUSTRALIA - AND THE JOB YOU SHOULD CONSIDER INSTEAD

• British expat revealed ugly side of FIFO work
• He claimed industry was glamourised too much 

A British FIFO worker has urged people to stop 'glamourising' the industry, claiming amazing pay and global travel is 'not always the reality'. 

Jake, who works in Western Australia's mines, argued many people weren't aware of the darker side to the work. 

He warned 'working extremely long hours for long weeks at a time in the blistering heat, covered in flies' can take a major toll on mental health.

'It's time to stop glamourising FIFO,' he said.

'I'm sure everyone has seen the videos. You make all this amazing money, you're travelling all around the world, but it's not always the reality for most people.'

The scaffolder advised that others in his line of work or similar professions, like plumbing, should opt for jobs in capital cities instead.

Jake urged others coming from overseas to stop and think about their career options as FIFO work is not the only way to earn a respectable wage in Australia.

'If you're thinking about moving from the other side of the world to Australia just to work FIFO, I strongly advise you to reconsider and not just jump the gun because you've seen a couple of videos telling you how amazing it is,' he said.

For instance, skilled work like tradies, who are prepared to work identical hours around the country, can earn just as much as miners. 

According to online job boards, some entry-level FIFO roles can attract salaries of up to $130,000 per year. 

Jake warned anybody who does not do their research on the career would risk missing the 'huge downsides, which people don't tell you about'.

He shared his thoughts on FIFO gatekeepers who charge people to help them get a job in the mines. 

'You do not need to pay these FIFO gurus to get you a job or teach you how to get a job. It is a very simple process,' he said.

Social media users disagreed with his viewpoint, with many of the detractors being FIFO workers themselves. 

Some said the work was not 'that bad' while others insisted Jake was just highlighting the worst part of the job. 

Jake stood by his words despite the backlash and insisted that even though the work may not be too hard, 'it's the mental game that catches people sadly'.

Other social media users agreed with Jake, saying people should be more cautious rather than committing to the job so quickly. 

'Personal health must take priority over financial gain. Shift work takes years of your life,' one person agreed.

'Too many guys selling the dream without educating on the pitfalls of the industry,' another added.

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2026-02-04T03:12:25Z