After returning from parental leave, it was challenging balancing work, family and my own wellbeing. As a First Nations woman, I’ve found confidence, connection, and belonging in a workplace that truly values flexibility and inclusion.
Careers
How I rebuilt confidence and connection after returning to work
27 October 2025
Returning to work after parental leave was really difficult. I struggled with my mental health. I struggled with guilt. I struggled with daycare pick-up and drop-off.
At my previous workplace, there was no support, no flexibility or check-ins around how I would return, if it would be a staggered approach or part-time. It was just expected that I would go back to a 9-5, full-time routine.
I didn't feel supported, so I started looking for opportunities that were more flexible and could provide a better option for me and my family. That’s when I found Transgrid.
A supportive manager makes the difference
Joining Transgrid has been the most refreshing, genuine experience for me. I have a supportive manager who is keen to see me grow and shine. She’s always looking for ways to create opportunities for me to flourish. I've had opportunities to do webinars, Lunch ‘n’ Learns and I've worked on big initiatives, like the graduate business challenge.
That flexibility has made all the difference. I drop my four-year-old son off in the morning. I come home on the days that I'm logging on from home and do my normal hours. I get it all done, leave at a reasonable hour, go and pick up my son and come home and start dinner – without having to panic that I'm doing the wrong thing by someone.
Connection, culture and belonging
Working at Transgrid has also helped me connect to community. I’ve really honed in on what it means to create lasting impact – not just through our work, but through genuine relationships with the communities we serve.
As an Aboriginal woman, my initial concern was what it would be like and what kind of supportive place it would be. But it’s been fantastic. Transgrid is open and supportive, and respectful about culture. There are policies about special leave for cultural days, such as NAIDOC, and they're great with Sorry Business, too.
Redefining what success looks like
For me, success isn’t about climbing the career ladder. Now,it’s about being happy and confident in the role I'm in.
What really makes a difference is the supportive camaraderie with the team. When you feel supported at work, you can be your best self here– and when you go home you can be your best self there, too.