Overwhelmed and exhausted: why marketers need space to think

The numbers are hard to ignore

According to Marketing Week’s 2026 Career & Salary Survey, 65.3% of marketers say they have felt overwhelmed over the past 12 months, with more than half reporting feeling emotionally exhausted.

These numbers are for employed roles only. As MiMs, we recognise that our self employed marketers, or those between roles, are also experiencing the same.

For an industry built on ideas, communication, creativity, strategy and performance, the figures are difficult to ignore.

Pressure to deliver

Marketing has often been demanding, but as expectations continue to increase. Teams are often leaner, platforms evolve constantly, and the pressure to deliver remains high.

For many marketers, including mothers, parents and carers, professional pressure exists alongside the invisible load. Planning, organising and managing life outside work.

The thinking that never switches off

Trained, and often naturally wired, to anticipate, problem solve and think several steps ahead, professionally Marketers are an amazing bunch, and for many, that thinking does not simply stop when paid work ends.

In MiMs, we regularly talk about why parents and carers bring enormous value to the marketing industry. The ability to adapt, manage complexity and think strategically under pressure are strengths many of us refine daily.

Why space to pause matters

Alongside skill recognition, it is equally important that we create space for the amazing humans in our industry, particularly at a time when senior leaders are also operating beyond full capacity.

Having the space to pause is not a magic wand to suddenly add extra zeros to the budget. Nor is it because marketers are lacking capability. It is to ensure our highly capable people have the opportunity to think, navigate challenges strategically, strengthen decision making and step outside reactive mode for a moment. To think about family, or challenges at home. To be ambitious, or consider next steps.

Introducing MiMs Coaching

MiMs Coaching was created with exactly that in mind.

Our ICF-qualified coaches are highly experienced marketers and members of the MiMs community, bringing both professional expertise and real understanding of the pressures many marketers are navigating today. And it is our way of celebrating the importance of the humans who make our industry what it is.

Find out more about MiMs Coaching for individuals and for organisations

About Mums in Marketing

Mums in Marketing is a global community dedicated to supporting and empowering mums in marketing and the creative industries. We provide a safe space for members to share experiences, gain insights, and build valuable connections, all while balancing the demands of career and motherhood.

If you’re interested in joining us or discussing sponsorship, partnership or event opportunities, please feel free to contact us at hello@mumsinmarketing.net.