Thriving, Not Just Surviving – Jenna’s Experience at IMPACT Community Services

At IMPACT Community Services, wellbeing isn’t a perk, it’s a foundation. For Jenna, one of our General Managers, joining IMPACT marked a turning point in her career and her life. After years of pushing through burnout in a high-pressure role, she found a workplace where people come first, balance is real and care is embedded in everything we do.

This is Jenna’s story:

In my previous role, I was always wearing too many hats, constantly striving to meet unrealistic expectations, most of which I placed on myself. I rarely said ‘No’, pushed through exhaustion, and ignored signs my body was sending me. I didn’t know my limits, and over time, that relentless pace caught up with me. Burnout crept in quietly at first, but eventually, it consumed every part of my day.

It wasn’t one big moment but a collection of little ones. Constant fatigue, irritability, and a deep sense of detachment from the work that once excited me. I’d wake up already drained and that’s when I knew something had to give, and it couldn’t be me anymore.

The name IMPACT Community Services appealed to me straight away but it was the culture I saw reflected in how people talked about their work-life harmony that really pulled me in. I wanted a workplace where wellbeing wasn’t just a buzzword, but an actual practice. IMPACT promised me that, and I was ready to believe in it.

My first few weeks at IMPACT were refreshing, grounding and surprisingly emotional. I had space to breath, for the first time in years. The pace here values people, not just constant productivity. I wasn’t expected to hit the ground running with superhuman speed but instead, I was met with empathy, flexibility and time to adjust and find my feet.

Work-life balance now means I get to live my life AND do meaningful work. I have time to move my body, connect with loved ones and pursue interests outside of the office and I no longer feel guilty for logging off at a reasonable hour. To me, balance means feeling whole, not just functioning to try and get by.

Since I started work at IMPACT my wellbeing has improved immensely. My energy is steadier, my sleep has improved, and I’ve become more present in the everyday moments, and more reflective in the way I engage at work. I feel not only supported but genuinely empowered.

I can now set boundaries with confidence. I now know and trust that saying ‘No’ can actually be a strength, not a weakness and I have time for ongoing learning, passion projects and mentoring others, all things I longed for, but never had space for before.

My leadership style has also evolved too. I believe I now lead with empathy and an understanding that performance stems from wellbeing. I prioritise regular check-ins with my staff, celebrate small wins and make space for conversations beyond deadlines. I’ve shifted from managing tasks, to supporting people.

To others feeling burnt out in high-pressure roles, I’d say: listen to yourself. Your body, mind and heart will tell you when enough is enough, you just have to listen. Find the courage to slow down before burnout forces it on you. It’s okay to want more than just survival. You deserve a life where you feel fulfilled, not just efficient.

Burnout doesn’t make you weak, it’s a signal that something needs love and care and that something is you.