Living in Western Australia, FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) work is a huge part of life for many people. ✈️
People generally get into this work to be able to set themselves up for the future. The money can be great but the lifestyle can come with a whole load of challenges.
Long shifts, long swings, early flights, night shift, disrupted sleep, workplace dramas, relationship issues, exhaustion… the list goes on.
But have you ever thought about what all of this might be doing to your energy field?
I’ve been working with energy for over 21 years, and I have quite a few FIFO workers who come to me for energy treatments, particularly women.
And I’ve noticed some interesting patterns.
WHAT I’M NOTICING IN MY FIFO CLIENTS
One of the most common things I find is that their assemblage point is out of alignment. 🌀
The assemblage point is the central organising point of the human energy field. Everything that is energy oscillates around a central point, and ours is the assemblage point.
In my energy treatments, I check whether it’s in the right location and bring it back into alignment if it’s not. With FIFO workers I usually find it out of alignment.
These clients are often absolutely knackered, emotionally drained and struggling with what’s happening in their lives.
Most are working 12-hour shifts, dealing with difficult colleagues, workplace bullying or relationship dramas, and feeling isolated without their usual support network. 🥺
Unlike a normal job, you can’t just go home at the end of the day and escape the bullshit. You’re stuck on site until your swing finishes, sometimes with people who suck the fucking life out of you.
This can cause a lot of imbalances in your energy field.
WHAT DOES FLYING DO TO YOUR BODY AND ENERGY?
There’s some interesting science around what happens to our bodies when we fly. ✈️
Aircraft cabins have lower air pressure than at sea level, so there’s slightly less oxygen available. The air is also very dry, and sitting for extended periods can leave you feeling stiff and uncomfortable. 🥴
Add early departures, disrupted sleep and travel stress, and it’s hardly surprising that people can feel knackered.
Now imagine doing this repeatedly while also working long, demanding shifts.
Stress, exhaustion and major changes in routine can lead to disturbances in the energy field.
And that’s something I find interesting when looking at the patterns showing up in my FIFO clients.
THE EXTRA CHALLENGES FOR FEMALE FIFO WORKERS
Something I notice is how much some of my female FIFO clients are dealing with.
On top of long shifts and workplace pressures, they’re also navigating menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations, PMS or perimenopause symptoms.
Throw in poor sleep, workplace conflict, limited privacy and being away from loved ones, and you’ve got a great recipe for feeling like dogs balls. 🐶 🥎
I work with a few FIFO women at the moment who feel emotionally unsupported while they’re away, especially when they’re dealing with fuckwits at work or strained relationships, and some of them who are grandmothers are expected to babysit full time when they’re home instead of getting the rest their body needs.
Chronic stress can affect sleep, mood and recovery, and I often notice energetic imbalances as a result.
COMING HOME DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN YOU’VE RECOVERED
You’ve finished your swing, flown home, and now you’re expected to immediately switch back into normal life. 🤷🏼♀️
Partner mode. Parent/grandparent mode. Social mode. Housework mode.
All while trying to catch up on sleep, reconnect with the special peeps in your life and prepare to do the whole thing again next week.
Sometimes your body is home, but your mind is still back at work – and vice versa when you’re away from home.
Time at home is an important time to focus on grounding, reconnecting with yourself and restoring a sense of balance.
HOW CAN ENERGY HEALING HELP?
When FIFO clients come to me for energy treatments, I assess their assemblage point, chakras and other energetic patterns.
Depending on what comes up, I may use Reiki, energy clearing, grounding techniques or other healing modalities. 🙌🏻
I also draw on my coaching background to help clients explore workplace stress, emotional challenges, relationships and boundaries.
Because there’s not much point feeling nice and chill after a treatment if you’re heading straight back into a situation where people are constantly taking the piss out of you and trampling all over your boundaries.
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF BETWEEN SWINGS
If you’re a FIFO worker who’s constantly feeling exhausted or out of balance, prioritise your sleep where you can, focus on setting better boundaries, getting support with workplace issues and allowing yourself proper recovery time between swings.
Grounding practices, meditation, time in nature and energy healing might also help you feel more settled.
And if you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue, don’t assume it’s purely energetic – it’s worth checking for underlying health issues too.
FIFO work can be financially rewarding, but that doesn’t mean it comes without a cost to your physical and emotional wellbeing.
What I’m noticing in my treatment room is that many FIFO workers are carrying far more than just physical exhaustion.
You don’t have to wait until you’re completely burnt out before looking after yourself.
If you’re a FIFO worker feeling exhausted, disconnected or out of balance, drop me a message and let’s chat about how energy work and/or coaching can help – I offer sessions in person and remotely (I’ll often do emergency top up sessions with my clients while they’re away at work too).
Sending hugs n healing vibes,
