Suncorp's Samon Nathan uses flexi-working to play for Tactix
30 August 2019
Some days you’ll find Samon Nathan in the Suncorp office, and other days she’s working up a sweat on the netball court.
The Suncorp Credit Controller is also a talented midcourter for the Mainland Tactix, using her flexible working arrangement to make it big in the netball world.
“I never imagined that I would be able to pursue my dream of playing professional netball, while also setting myself up with a solid career outside of sport,” Samon says.
Having played netball since primary school after following in her sisters’ footsteps, Samon had always dreamed of one day playing in the big leagues.
She got her first break at the elite in 2016 when she began playing for the Central Pulse. In 2017 Samon took the opportunity to come back home to Auckland and play for the Northern Mystics for two years.
Last season she was signed full time by the Mainland Tactix, the Christchurch based netball team.
Earlier this year she played her 50th ANZ match, Tactix versus Steel, which she says was one of her proudest moments.
Despite daily trainings, game days and promos, Samon has never had to give up her job at Suncorp.
“Suncorp has always supported me in playing netball. My manager has always found a way to work around the netball season and really advocated for me working flexibly,” she says.
“Most of my netball team mates have to quit their jobs each season, whereas I am not forced to sacrifice my professional development for my netball career.”
Over the six years Samon has worked for Suncorp, she has transitioned between part-time and full-time hours, taken career breaks during seasons and worked from Suncorp’s various New Zealand offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
“Being a professional netballer has a shelf life, and because of Suncorp I am building a career that will carry me through life long after I retire from professional netball,” she says.
The next netball season will see Samon move to the South Island and work out of Suncorp’s Christchurch office.
“I am so grateful for the flexibility to do everything I want to do in life.”
Media enquiries: Kimberley Cameron +64 27 208 1268
The information in this article has been compiled from various sources and is intended to be factual information only. It is not personal advice and any description of an insurance product or service is not a complete description of all the terms and conditions applicable to the particular insurance product or service. You should consult a qualified adviser for advice on whether the information in this article is suitable for your personal situation and needs. While we take reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate and up-to-date, it is subject to change without notice. Suncorp New Zealand and its related companies does/do not accept any responsibility or liability in connection with your use of or reliance on this article.
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