I've had it. You've had it. If you're a FIFO partner, you've done it. "When are you coming home?"
FIFO rosters sound simple. A worker goes to site for 2, 4, 6 weeks and comes home for 1, 2 or 3. In theory, it's the most simple life you can imagine.
But in practice, it can get really, really hard to keep track of when your partner is coming home versus when they're at site.
Sometimes it's because a roster changes slightly. Maybe a production target isn't hit so we're "asked" to stay back a little. Or maybe we need extra money so we stay back to work extras.
But even without that last-second change, even when the roster remains the same for months or years, it can be impossible when you're sitting with family and friends to answer the question: "Can we expect your partner at X event?"
Aside from the time apart and the travel, the lack of knowing when they're actually home can get really, really hard. The family having to constantly ask if they're going to be at an event, and you having to say you don't remember but you'll find out.
It starts to look like you're in the middle of a secret divorce.
Not knowing exactly how many days are left so you don't know which stage of the emotional cycle you should be at.
Not wanting to ask, but needing to know.
There. I said it. When everyone is asking the same question, it gets annoying. It's understandable, and I wish there was a way I could answer it easily without that little note of frustration in my voice -- especially since it usually causes a fight.
I know everyone needs the answer. I know it's hard to keep track in your head or when you're using a screenshot of a roster from 3 months ago that was out of date before it hit the mobile tower.
I know it's hard because sometimes, I don't even know. I remember starting to pack my gear once only to realise I had the right day but the wrong f****** week.
Oops.
But just because it's an understandable and important question doesn't make it less annoying when it's being asked all the time.
FIFOYears isn't going to solve every problem, but there are some problems that it will solve and this question is one of them. I'm building it around my own life as a FIFO worker as well as those of my friends so that it's actually, genuinely useful for FIFO workers and their families.
This is my favourite feature and I've been using it myself while I build the rest: the calendar. It seems simple, but it's surprisingly hard to code.
Simply, it gives the FIFO worker and up to 3 people they invite a calendar that they can all see which shows work days, break days and any changes. Taking annual leave? Just punch in the dates and the calendar shows an up to date view of the month without breaking the rest of the calendar.
If you're working extras, it shows. If you're changing your swing (by your choice or otherwise), it'll calculate the calendar for years into the future.
If you need to know when your partner is home, you just login, scroll to the right month and have a look. And if they're not? You can write a note asking them if they can organise something on that date. When it comes time to book leave, a FIFO worker has the exact dates in the palm of their hand.
No more, "Wait, I was supposed to book for those dates?" Hands up if you've been there.
FIFOYears has a lot of other features, but this is the one I'm most excited about. And if you want to stop asking the question and start knowing the answer instantly, click here to add your email address and get notified as soon as FIFOYears is released.
I'm Josh. I'm building FIFOYears.