3 ways HAVING FUN creates career clarity

Feeling stuck in your career? Out of sync with your purpose? Sometimes, the key to clarity isn’t found in more strategizing or endless lists, it's in allowing yourself to have fun and reconnect with what truly lights you up.

Imagine this: a night at a concert, dancing wildly, feeling free and alive. That moment of pure joy and playfulness can unlock insights you’ve been seeking, a reminder that sometimes the best way to find your direction is by simply embracing what makes you feel good.

In my own journey, a night out at a concert helped me realize that fun isn’t just frivolous; it’s a powerful tool for inspiration and clarity when feeling lost and defeated.

A rising star lawyer, I was out for an evening with friends at a KC & The Sunshine Band concert at the House of Blues in Chicago. While my life looked successful on the outside, most people didn’t know I was feeling lost on the inside. I didn’t really know who I was anymore. While I was excellent at my job, I constantly wrestled with fear and doubt about whether I was heading in the right direction. Working in the criminal justice system, I was surrounded by passionate, purpose-driven people. Yet, I felt disconnected and like this may not have been the right path for me.

That night at the concert, I was mesmerized by a gorgeous backup dancer. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was JLo-level amazing. And she appeared to be having the time of her life smiling, twirling, radiating joy. It hit me like a lightning bolt: fun! THAT’S what I needed. I didn’t have it all figured out, but I knew I wanted to dance.

I’ve always loved dance. As a little girl, I would twirl around my living room, lost in creating my own FlashDance-style moves to the 80s hits I adored. I even tried a dance class once, but felt intimidated because I couldn’t pick up the choreography as fast as the other girls.

In the 6th grade, I choreographed a skit for the school talent show and got two friends to perform it with me to Janet Jackson’s hit "Control." By 8th grade, I was co-captain of the cheerleading and dance squad and I loved it.

But life threw some curveballs. My mom passed away right before my 8th-grade cheerleading competition, so I stepped back from dance. Later, when I auditioned for high school cheerleading, I didn’t make the cut maybe because I struggled with choreography.

That night at the concert something shifted inside me. I wondered, “How can I bring some of this joyful energy into my life now?” Luckily, I had a wonderfully creative and unapologetically fun friend Jim who was running a small theater company in Chicago. His shows at the Elbo Room were joyful, daring, and full of life. I asked if I could choreograph and perform a skit in his next variety show, and he said yes. That decision changed everything. I went on to perform in Jim's next three productions!

Making space for fun gave me a much-needed break from the stress and uncertainty of my legal career. I felt joy, freedom, and alignment with my true self again. It was a taste of a life that felt more authentic, more purposeful. Soon after, I left law entirely, stepping into a new career path more aligned with my natural gifts and what truly inspired me.

That experience taught me that having fun is a gateway to insight and clarity. In hindsight, I see three key ways it helped me open my next big career opportunity and can help you too:

1. Reconnecting to authenticity:

Having fun reminded me of who I was as a young girl, unshackled by the expectations of others. I began to listen to the whispers of my heart, which gradually guided me toward a career and life aligned with my authentic self.

2. Resetting to a positive mindset and energy:

I wanted to get back to my "genius zone," what I do naturally and easily, and this meant returning to just being authentically me, having fun, and ultimately getting paid for it! Dancing and having fun helped me shift out of constant stress and self-doubt. Practicing joy fueled a new perspective, allowing me to see possibilities rather than obstacles.

3. Attracting new opportunities:

Joy and fun are the highest vibrational energies we can experience. Feeling playful and happy, I began attracting more positive experiences and opportunities into my life. Conversely, lower vibrations like fear, frustration, or apathy tend to attract more of the same. By intentionally cultivating moments of joy, I elevated my energy, opening doors to new, more aligned career opportunities.

INSPIRED ACTION:

If you’re feeling lost or unsure about your next career move, consider creating space for fun. You might reflect on childhood memories: What did you love to do? What activities brought you joy and a sense of freedom? The goal isn’t to find something “productive” but simply to experience delight YOUR way. Trust your instincts, and look inward for what makes you smile and feel alive.

Even if today you feel completely stuck, you can set a date and time for just one dose of fun. Whether it’s dancing, drawing, playing music, or anything that sparks joy - the magic is in giving yourself permission to prioritize FUN. This may seem small, but it’s a powerful step toward clarity, purpose, and the career you’re meant to create.

About the Author

Gina Marotta is a career coach, group facilitator, and changemaker dedicated to helping individuals and teams discover and live their “genius”— their unique talents and strengths. With a background as a criminal defense lawyer and nonprofit executive, she offers deep insight and practical guidance for navigating careers, transitions, and workplace challenges. Gina empowers her clients to transform obstacles into opportunities, fostering authentic growth, confidence, and fulfillment. Learn more at ginamarotta.com and start creating a career and life that truly reflect the best of who you are.