I work for just 2 weeks for 2 MONTHS' pay in job not everyone's able for – food is free & extra perks save me thousands

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

MEET the savvy 26-year-old who traded in working in the film biz for a lucrative job that some people would hate - but lets her save "huge chunks" of cash while she doesn't spend a cent.
Caithilín Hughes is putting away thousands of euro for her future with her "life-changing" gig.
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Caithilin does two-week stints on the mines, and comes out with two months' worth of earnings
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Caithilín Hughes decided to train as a machine operator
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She said the role has been 'life-changing' and has allowed her to save thousands
She has a degree in film production and worked as a videographer before deciding to make the move to Western Australia last year.
And after a stint as a traffic controller, she bagged a job as a FIFO miner in the Kimberley region just two months in.
FIFO roles work on a two weeks on, two weeks off basis and, as the acronym suggests, employees can fly in from the surrounding area to complete their residency.
The roles are available in areas with big mining operations and there's a number of job opportunities on sites from technical roles to hospitality and support staff.
Accommodation and meals are provided while on the job - in addition to the pay.
And depending on qualifications, the programme offers salaries of up to €94,000 (AU$150,000) to attract workers.
Caithílin, from
"I spent days and weeks applying online but it can be hard to get a job in an industry with no previous experience.
"It seems to be that if you know someone, from home, that works in the FIFO world it is a lot easier to get a job.
"I just so happened to get talking to an Irishman driving to a traffic control job I was working at.
I make thousands a month working on mines in Australia and there's so many perks
"As the Irish do, we got chatting and he gave me a contact for a job. That was how I got in."
EARLY STARTS
Caithilín, who earns two months' wages in two weeks, told how she works long shifts in 40C heat with very early starts.
She added: "Our day starts at 3.30am. With breakfast opening up for everyone about 4, it's then on the bus and straight to work for 5am.
"We have a quick prestart and then out to our machines.
"We in them for about 10 hours each day, either side of our breaks, operating the machines in whatever needs moved or completed for the day.
"We then come back to camp about 6pm. It's just enough time for dinner, the gym and then straight to sleep to do it all over again.
"The pay rates range from role to role. Most machine operators make somewhere between $45-$70 aud an hour depending on machine skills and experience."
'SAVING ASPECT'
And she revealed it's a great job for saving as there's no need to spend money.
Caithilín said: "The only reason why I and so many Irish people are doing these jobs are for the saving aspect.
"For the two weeks I am up there I do not spend any money at all.
"My food is free, accommodation is free, gym is free, flights are provided for.
"Of course everyone will have basic bills and necessities that have to come out.
"But the saving factor is why so many are doing it, the salaries are good - and yes you can get these kinds of salaries in other sectors in roles.
"But living and working in the same place, without any expenses is the drawing factor. "
'PRETTY MALE DOMINATED'
Caithilín said there are not a lot of women doing the job and those interested should think "long and hard" before applying.
She continued: "It is pretty male dominated. I am the only girl on my team at work but there is lots of other girls within our company, and on site.
"My advice to Irish girls coming to Australia to work in the mines would be if it's something you want to do think about it long and hard, it can be both difficult and expensive to get into.
"It might also be good to apply for jobs and roles alongside a friend.
"Starting a new job in a new country, in a largely male dominated industry can be tricky.
"However, if you have a goal in mind to reach. I think to give it a year of your life, the saving elements to the roles can be life changing.
"A good salary can come with any job but it's the saving of money, free everything basically, that is having so many Irish people return home to
Caithilín said there are a number of initial expenses in order to get set up that people need to be aware of.
She said: "The first thing you will need to do when you get to Australia is you'll need to get a white card that will cost you about $100.
"It's standard for anybody who does any sort of construction job.
"It's just like a health and safety card. Then I did my Moxie ticket which was about $500.
"The next thing I went on and did was my traffic control ticket just purely to get a job straight away and that was $600.
"It's pretty standard everywhere because it's about a three day course.
"I then went and got my HR lorry licence which is what you need to drive any of the machines you want to drive out on the road.
"Sometimes you might be driving them between sites. Some places are about $1,100 to $1,500. This is the most expensive thing but it's like the golden ticket basically everywhere in Western Australia.
"I then went on and did my Water Cart for $550 and my Roller Ticket which cost $550.
"In total that is about $3,600. So be aware that you might be spending that much when you first come out here to level yourself up straight away."
Former Miss Universe Gráinne Gallanagh
swapped her glamorous dresses and tiara for a boiler suit and hard hat
for a year.
The 30-
year-old
, who won
Ireland in 2018, spent her days escorting trucks and fuelling up machines.
Gráinne also revealed how she was one of the only women on the construction site and was initially worried that she might feel uncomfortable.
She previously told
"We have the craic on site. I've only been there since August but already I've been awarded employee of the month and employee of the year."
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She has shared her advice for women interested in the job