Not everything in life is all roses. The same applies in the workplace as well. There will always be "good" and "bad" days at work, moments when you have plenty of positivity and energy, and moments when you just want to leave and go home. However, when the "bad" days suddenly become a daily routine, and you feel disappointed and frustrated regarding every aspect of your work environment, and when you wake up every morning with a denial to go to work, it’s pretty clear that something is wrong. And in this case, the options are two: either start applying for a new job or quit instantly.

However, in this case, we will now discuss the first option: to start applying for a new job.

And no, we will not start advising on how to apply for a new job here. Stay tuned, and you will get this info in another post. If you are around TikTok, you have probably already noticed a new workplace trend known as “rage applying,” which is particularly popular among younger generations, especially Gen Z. Many people consider it a form of “quiet quitting.”

To give a more detailed “rage applying” meaning, we could say that it has emerged as the new job phenomenon of applying for dozens of different jobs at the same time, when you feel frustrated and depressed about your current job. Most often, "rage applying" occurs when a person has pent-up feelings of frustration and anger or feels unappreciated and unrecognized at work. A recent study in the US found that 90% of employees surveyed had rage applied in the last six months.

Half the participants said they considered quitting their job at least once a week

The statistics on how many people use rage-applying as a solution to the challenges they face at work are concerning for many reasons, and we need to pay more attention to them. More and more people feel disappointed in their work environment and are in a constant state of job hunting. However, changing jobs driven mainly by rage and not thinking strategically may affect your future career.

Rage-applying has become a concerning trend for hiring managers. A recent survey revealed that two-thirds of US professionals admitted to impulsively applying to numerous jobs out of frustration or anger. This makes it challenging for employers to distinguish between genuine job seekers and those who are simply venting their emotions. Shanda Mints, Vice President at Korn Ferry, noted that there's currently no reliable method to identify and screen out rage applicants.

Why You Should Avoid Rage Applying

We only live once, so we shouldn't waste our life on anything that doesn't make us happy, especially when it's work-related, considering that our workplace is the environment where we spend at least 8 hours of our day. However, before sending out piles of resumes to countless positions, do some self-reflection and think about why you want to leave your job. Although "rage applying" can yield positive results, it's generally wise to process your frustration before taking action.

While it seems like a release in that particular moment, rage applying may not be the most effective job search strategy. It can lead to hasty decisions and may not result in a job that genuinely aligns with your goals and values.

So, why avoid rage applying?

Impulsive Decision-making

When driven by strong emotions like anger or frustration, it's easy to make hasty decisions without fully considering the job requirements, company culture, or long-term career goals. This means that if you apply to different jobs without having a specific strategy in mind, then you will probably end up in a less satisfying job. If you land a job solely out of frustration, you may later regret the decision if the new position doesn't align with your career aspirations or personal values.

Negative Impression

Employers can sense when a job application is rushed or lacks genuine interest. A careless or impulsive application can create a negative impression and can ruin your professional reputation within your industry. Are you sure you want to take this risk?

Limited Effectiveness

While rage applying may provide a temporary sense of relief, it's unlikely to be a successful long-term strategy for finding a satisfying job. A more thoughtful and targeted approach is generally more effective and can help you land a job aligned with your interests and aspirations.

Instead of following TikTok trends when it comes to major life decisions, and if you're feeling frustrated with your current job, it might be helpful to consider other options, such as:

Communicating with your manager: Instead of rushing to hasty decisions, book a meeting with your manager and discuss your concerns with them. A good discussion and effective collaboration can lead to solutions that you wouldn’t even think of.

Seeking professional help: A therapist or counselor can provide support and guidance. If you find yourself in such situations, a career coach could work with you to solve possible obstacles and help you overcome feelings of inadequacy or Imposter Syndrome.

Developing a thoughtful job search strategy: Take time to identify your career goals and research potential opportunities instead of making rushed decisions. Evaluate whether you are just having a bad period at work and overreacting or if it is actually time to change jobs.

No matter what you choose to do, always keep in mind that when it comes to important life decisions, it’s better not to rush and, most importantly, not follow random TikTok trends to move forward.