Haters and Heroes of Marketing

A Look into the Debate Around Being a Marketer

Let me take you on a digital journey, to where the real haters and heroes of marketing dwell: the deep corners of Reddit. The marketing thread there offers a raw, unfiltered discussion on the profession, where marketing’s role in marketers lives is debated passionately. There are plenty of opinions on both sides, from those who see marketing as nothing more than “just a job” to those who find genuine passion and excitement in the field.

Note:

This article features content from the Marketing Made Clear podcast. You can listen along to this episode on Spotify:

Into the Reddit Looking Glass

Let’s dive into some key perspectives, starting with a notable comment by @marketingguy420, who lays it out bluntly:

“Don’t make a significant portion of your identity your job. Very challenging to do when we spend so much of our lives doing it, but marketing is the quintessential ‘Just a job””

His take resonates with many on the thread. He points out that while some in marketing appear to live and breathe it, for the majority, it’s just a way to make a living. He’s clear:

“It pays well and it’s not very hard (most of the time).

You can write a book in your free time (many authors were advertising guys). Go see movies. Deadlift 1,000 lbs. Learn the art of French cooking. Take Tagalog lessons.”

This opinion certainly sparks debate, and I find myself agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously. Yes, balance between work and life is essential, and it’s true that for many, a job is just a job. However, to excel in any profession, sacrifices are often necessary. A casual approach to your work might limit your success, marketing is no exception. It’s a balance between short-termism and long-termism… in my humble opinion.

Does that mean you must merge your identity with your work?

Not necessarily.

But if you treat it strictly as a paycheck, does that make you a different version of yourself while working? For me, that would be stressful. I love talking about marketing (hence, starting a podcast), though I wouldn’t say I “get my rocks off” over it. Passion for your job doesn’t have to be extreme, but some level of commitment can make all the difference.

The “It’s Just a Job” Mentality

Many commenters agreed with @marketingguy420, including @FindingaLaugh, who added:

“This is the book that needs to be written for marketers. Too many of us take this stuff too seriously.”

This hits on a point of debate. Should marketers ease off on the seriousness? Or does doing so hinder their potential? On the flip side, a user named @BertrandHustlepuff, who’s transitioning into marketing after 10 years in social work, offered a perspective worth considering:

“I have worked in Social Work for the past 10 years and am currently training in Digital Marketing. The past few years I realised that I was starting to experience some compassion fatigue and lose my motivation to do the work I was doing, and that I am actually the type of person who wants to “work to live” instead of “live to work”, so love the “just a job” concept at the moment.

On the other hand, you might decide that you do actually want to be doing a job that you feel really passionate about (most people do want that, or at least say they do) and there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s never too late to make a change, I’m doing it at 36.‘”

It’s an honest reflection of how different career paths align with personal goals. Marketing, for Bertrand, represents a shift toward a more balanced approach to work and life. He values the idea that a job can be “just a job,” but he’s still open to finding some excitement and motivation in marketing.

Welcome to Marketing Bertrand.

It’s never too late to find your path, and after 10 years of social work, transitioning into marketing is a significant shift. My hope for you, and anyone else, is that you do find passion in marketing. It might not be a dream job for everyone, but marketing can be an exciting, dynamic field for those willing to dive in.

Passion for the Cause vs. the Work Itself

@AdAstraPerAlasPorci also jumped into the discussion, offering a different perspective:

“The work doesn’t drive the passion, the cause does.

If you love fashion or local business or a charity, find work with someone doing work you love or believe in.

I am senior communications at a non-profit and my digital team are passionate AF. But it’s about the mission not the email automations, social calendars, or content trends.

Same goes for our accountants, HR folks, and admin staff. They love putting their skills to work for something they believe in.”

Their argument is that if you’re passionate about the cause behind the marketing, it’ll fuel your work. I agree to an extent. Passion for the cause can make all the difference, but can’t you also be passionate about the work itself?

For me, creating an intricate email automation or planning a complex marketing campaign can be incredibly satisfying. Without some degree of passion, it’s difficult to go the extra mile and think outside the box.

Corporate Life and Fake Enthusiasm

Not everyone shares this enthusiasm. @Impossible_Pen_5741 takes a more cynical view:

“All of the fake enthusiasm really gets to me. I always think of those LinkedIn posts like, ‘my week vacation has been great, but so excited to get back to the office and culture!’ Like no you don’t.”

Corporate culture can feel inauthentic, especially on social media. The pressure to always appear “passionate” about work can be draining. I agree with this sentiment to a point, there’s no reason to pretend to love every aspect of your job. Authenticity in how we engage with our work is crucial.

@tonyhimself offers another take on this:

“This is what happens when millennial and gen z culture made your whole 20’s about finding your ‘dream job’… At the end of the day, work is work.”

Tony emphasises that work doesn’t have to be your ultimate life goal, a message that speaks to the generational conversation around job expectations. I don’t think it’s fair to say that millennials and Gen Z are solely responsible for the “dream job” culture, but it’s worth considering how modern work culture has shifted toward the idea that work should always be fulfilling.

The Satisfaction of Creativity

Some, like @Laykers, focus on the positives:

“It’s awesome to work in a field where you can actively use your creativity AND watch a company grow by literal statistics.”

This is one of the more rewarding aspects of marketing—the creative problem-solving and the tangible results you can see from your efforts. For many, this balance of creativity and measurable outcomes is a key reason they stay in the industry. It’s one of the reasons I love what I do, too. Marketing provides a unique space where you can blend strategy with creativity and see real-time results.

The Alternative

Adding perspective… @jayjackson2022 ads:

“I graduated with a marketing degree and couldn’t find work in marketing. Be thankful.”

Sorry to hear that Jay – wishing you all the best in finding a route into marketing! This isn’t uncommon, I have plenty of friends with degrees that they have never been able to put into practice and it sucks – so yeah – be thankful for what you have all your marketers out there!

The Bottom Line

In marketing, as with many professions, there are haters and heroes. Some see it as just a job, nothing more than a way to pay the bills and enjoy life outside of work. Others, like myself, find passion in the field, embracing the challenges, creativity, and excitement that come with the role. Ultimately, the debate about whether marketing is “just a job” or a fulfilling career is deeply personal. Your level of commitment, enthusiasm, and satisfaction will depend on your approach, your goals, and your unique perspective on work-life balance.

So, whether you’re a marketing hero who thrives on creative challenges or someone who sees marketing as a stepping stone to other pursuits, there’s room for everyone in the field. Just find your lane, and enjoy the ride.