Are We Forgetting How to Have Fun?

Balancing Work and Passion: A woman navigates between desk duties and unleashing creativity through vibrant mural painting.

There was a time when marketing was celebrated, not just tolerated. People had favorite commercials, quoted taglines, and looked forward to the big creative moments. Marketing leaders weren’t hidden behind corporate slides. They were out in front, part of culture itself. Anyone remember when Jay Chiat showed up on MTV?

So, Where Did the Fun Go?

Much of the magic faded as marketing departments became leaner, busier, and more metrics-driven. Teams are stretched thin, racing to hit deadlines and KPIs, with little time left to experience the world outside their screens. But great marketing doesn’t come from endless meetings and analytics dashboards. It comes from life — from real-world experiences, fresh inspiration, and cultural immersion.

The "Marketing 24/7" Myth

There’s also a quiet pressure in many workplaces to make marketing a lifestyle rather than a job. Employees are expected to consume endless case studies, trend reports, and industry podcasts — leaving little room for their true passions. But the best ideas rarely come from studying marketing. They come from people who are living vibrant, interesting lives.

Culture First, Marketing Second

Look at how Apple TV+ has seamlessly tapped into culture with series like Ted Lasso, which became a global phenomenon by delivering heart, humor, and positivity just when the world needed it most. 

Brands like Liquid Death have built an entire identity around irreverence and fun, all while delivering a simple product. Their creative stunts, wild packaging, and funny content prove that cultural engagement comes from bold, authentic ideas.

Good for Business, Good for People

Allowing people to pursue their outside interests and passions isn’t just good for creativity. It’s essential for mental health. At a time when many people are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or burned out, encouraging curiosity and personal fulfillment helps them recharge and show up with more energy and clarity.

Bring Back the Fun (and the Results Will Follow)

Companies that want their marketing to matter need to encourage their teams to explore, create, and play. Supporting outside passions — whether it’s art, music, film, sports, or spending much needed time with loved ones  — feeds that work as opposed to distracting from it. A team that’s out in the world will return with sharper insights, more creativity, and ideas that truly connect.

So, are we forgetting how to have fun? Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a grind. Give people space to live, and the fun (and brilliance) will come naturally.

Byline: 

Daniel Quentin Zuber

Co-Founder of 2113 Labs and influencer in trance music and EDM culture on Instagram @therealquentinZ.

Hashtags:

#Marketing #BrandStrategy #MarketingLife #CreativeLeadership #WorkCulture #BrandCulture #BurnoutPrevention