turnbull began working as a domestic servant at the age of 14. she earned three shillings a week. in 1900, she joined the hosiery department at mosgiel woollen mill where she began making socks. at the mill, women earned lower wages than men for completing the same work. she worked 5.5 day weeks and earned 24 shillings a fortnight. she was known for her assertiveness and speaking on behalf of others when she saw injustice. she disliked unions and resisted joining until she was given an ultimatum of being fired or paying union fees. she became head of her section in the hosier department. turnbull was forced to retire in 1957.