ABSTRACT
Workers in the Northern Russian oil and gas industry often describe their lives as “extreme.” The adjective refers to working in a physically challenging environment – be it the harsh climate, the hard industrial work, or the long commute to and from work. It also reflects the psychological pressure of living together with colleagues in small closed camps, the lack of privacy, and the hardship of being away from family for long periods of time. Those who have already spent decades on long-distance commuting (LDC), also called fly-in/fly-out work (FIFO), are now accustomed to this lifestyle; it has become their new “normal.” In contrast, many new workers who have just started the arduous routine doubt whether this is a sustainable way to earn a livelihood and quit after a few years – or even a few shifts. Not everyone has the adventurous spirit and mental toughness to commute long-term.
