Has actually “learning” chess made the game less fun?

I picked the game back up about a month or so ago and experienced the classic newbie rise in ELO just to be smacked down to some abysmal rating. Started actually trying to learn openings and defenses, mid game/positional strategies, and started gaining rank again but in doing so I kinda made the game not a “game” anymore. I really enjoy a simpler style of kinda flinging pieces around on the board but everyone seems so serious about this pass time now it’s not fun again. Any other newbies have the same experience? Any vets have any advice?

The game is most fun around 1500 when you no longer blunder.
Experienced players play blitz and bullet for fun.

Finding the right balance between serious study and casual play is crucial. You can still enjoy the spontaneous and fun aspects of the game while incorporating what you've learned.

I think the learning process itself makes the game more fun. Gaining a new understanding of certain concepts and putting what you have learned into practice...this can only enhance your enjoyment. Learning is a lifelong process that will bring rewards no matter where you are in your chess journey.