The Long Way Around: From Law School to Mining Sites and Meaningful Work. With Safety Expert Desai Link

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Desai Link to explore an unconventional career journey— how he walked away from a career in law to work in a warehouse driving a forklift.

From studying law and history to working fly-in fly-out roles on some of the largest mining and energy projects in the world. Des shares how leaving the legal profession led him to a career in health and safety, the realities of FIFO life in Western Australia, and what it’s really like working on remote sites with thousands of people.

They discuss identity, stability, career regret, and why sometimes walking away from a “successful” path is the most rational decision you can make. This conversation dives into workplace culture, leadership earned through credibility, and how safety roles intersect with industries like mining, transport, and large-scale construction.

If you’re questioning your career path, navigating major transitions, or curious about FIFO work, mining safety, or life on remote projects, this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective from someone who’s lived it.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro and Meeting Desai06:00 – Growing up in Western Australia
12:30 – Studying law, history, and the search for stability
20:30 – Why law wasn’t the right fit
26:00 – Leaving law and returning to forklift work
31:00 – Discovering a career in health and safety
38:00 – Credibility, leadership, and workplace culture
44:00 – FIFO work explained
48:00 – Life on massive mining and energy projects
52:00 – Isolation, mental health, and remote work
57:00 – Career risk, long-term thinking, and avoiding regret

If you like these podcasts, you’ll enjoy this episode: The Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman Podcast, The Shawn Ryan Show, Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson, WorkLife with Adam Grant

Tags: career change, career pivot, fly in fly out work, FIFO life, mining industry, health and safety, workplace safety, career transition, leadership at work, professional growth, construction industry, mining safety, remote work, blue collar careers, industrial safety, risk management, compliance and regulation, safety leadership, workplace culture, operations management, finding purpose, career fulfillment, work identity, long term thinking, life decisions, taking risks, stability vs fulfillment, non linear career, career advice, personal development, Australia careers, New Zealand work, FIFO Australia, mining jobs Australia, international careers, expat work life, long form podcast, interview podcast, real conversations, career stories, leadership podcast, personal growth podcast