An Irish expat who moved to with just under $400 in his bank account flew back home $123,000 richer after spending a year working in the mines.
The FIFO worker shared a TikTok revealing how he was able to ‘make bank’ despite having no previous experience or qualifications.
He was able to make $12,000 in his first month on the job, and appeared to be operating trucks, tractors and other heavy machinery as part of his role.
‘Work on FIFO in , you’re going to be making anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 per month,’ he said.
‘I’m not a tradesman and you don’t need any experience heading over here.
‘These mine sites are like mini cities, there’s hundreds of thousands who work in the mines over in .’
The Irishman said there were plenty of roles available away from the actual mines, including personal trainers, nurses, bar staff and bus drivers.
‘Everyone is making bank out here,’ he said.
‘It’s not easy money but I flew home with over $100K in the bank and that’s how you do it folks.’
FIFO workers are required to complete accreditation courses but often no experience is required for many roles.
Workers are often on the job for up to 12 hours a day for two weeks at a time, before flying back to their homes for two weeks of rest.
Many FIFO workers have documented their experience and huge pay on TikTok, but others have questioned whether the exhausting hours and time away from home is worth the money.
‘Dangerous and taxing on mental health is why they pay so much,’ one commented.
‘The time trade off just isn’t worth it for me,’ said another.
‘Sounds great but you’re in middle of nowhere, 12 hour days, work 3 weeks, week 4 you have off so need some where stay,’ one wrote.