So when enrolled nurse Angela Dunstone was feeling disillusioned with her work-life balance, she saw an ad on Gumtree.

And she went for it.

"I wasn't really enjoying myself; there was not much time to spend with my family or my partner," she said.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do. I saw a job on Gumtree for a farmhand, with no experience necessary.

"I had no farming background; it was a big learning curve to be milking, feeding, irrigating, fencing and spraying weeds.

Despite needing to leave Albury at 3.30am to start an hour later, Angela enjoyed the fresh air and variety of farm tasks.

However, she felt "thrown into the deep end" when the farm manager left after six-months and the business was managed remotely.

"It was just at a time when I wanted to learn and know more," Angela said.

Having completed a Certificate IV Agriculture at Wodonga TAFE, Angela learned as much as she could from the farm's agronomist and veterinarian over the next two and a half years.

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While keen to stay in the industry, she eventually decided "it wasn't worth the 45-minute drive on a dark, windy road" to work. Through contacts she landed work at Hermitage Dairy at Kergunyah South.

During her interview with fifth-generation farmer Stuart Crosthwaite, Angela emphasised her desire to learn and from the outset, it was obvious she had come to the right place. "It was very structured," Angela said.

"I had basic knowledge but was self-taught, and Stuart guided me in the right direction."

Fast forward two years and Stuart, who is also founding chair of dairy cooperative Mountain Milk and is currently completing the ARLP program as a Gardiner Foundation scholarship recipient, continues to inspire and support Angela.

"Stuart is a great teacher with great knowledge that he is willing to share; he pushes me to learn and take on more responsibility," Angela said.

Stuart and Angela developed a team charter that prioritised communication, teamwork and individual areas of responsibility.

As a result, Stuart's three employees were given specific work titles.

At first Angela was assistant pasture manager but that changed to assistant herd manager when Stuart recognised her interest in animal health.

"It makes me feel like I am valued and valuable to the business," Angela said.

"I'm not just a number or just an employee, but I matter."