Every month or so during the pandemic, it seemed that a new workplace hashtag was dominating social media.
From the #GreatResignation to #QuietQuitting, these terms serve as an important window into current job trends and opinions on the workforce.
This is no exception with the most recent workplace trend: #RageApplying.
What is rage applying?
Rage applying is when someone applies to several jobs, almost exclusively online and often out of frustration with their current role. It is typically a hasty decision made after a bad day at work. It can either be used as a temporary stress reliever, or as a genuine desire to find a new role.
Benefits of rage applying
- Worker control – Rage applying is a great tool for people to regain a sense of agency in their careers. Especially if their current role feels frustrating and unstable.
- Stress release – Finding an outlet to unload our internal emotions is a natural part of self-regulation. Like screaming into a pillow, rage applying is a form of professional stress release. No one will get hurt, and it lets you release frustrations in an isolated environment.
- Convenience – Applying to jobs online is convenient and quick. With a simple click of a button, you can often send off your application in less than a few minutes. This makes spontaneously mass-applying appealing and easy.
- Accessibility – Not only is applying online quick, but it’s also accessible! With most Canadians having a laptop or phone, finding jobs online has never been easier (and if you’re in the market, check out the jobs currently open on CharityVillage).
- Hope – Rage applying can serve as a therapeutic process. It gives the worker a sense of hope, that maybe if I apply to all these jobs, maybe one of them will want to hire me, and maybe I can then leave my current job.
- Possibility of being hired – When applying to multiple roles, there is always the possibility that you will land an interview and then get hired. Ideally, in a role with better benefits, working environment, and pay. In an interview by CBC, a woman claimed rage applying landed her a new role with a $25,000 pay increase!
Alternatives to rage applying
While there are many benefits of rage applying, it is also important to notice where this rage is coming from. Did you just have one bad day? Are you constantly dealing with a toxic workplace or supervisor? Is the job fine but you’re feeling unfulfilled?
Whatever the reason, in addition to rage applying, here are some alternatives you can use at your current job:
- Focus on your mental health and use what tools you have available to process your frustrations. You can use mindfulness, talk to someone you trust, take deep breaths, go for a walk, draw, or read a book, just to name a few ideas.
- Make the most of your current job. Find the co-workers, customers, or projects that you can find joy in and focus your attention on that.
- Speak to a supervisor or HR staffer you trust about your concerns. If your frustrations can be solved (e.g., you are feeling burnt out, a co-worker is making you feel uncomfortable etc.) speaking about it is one step to managing the concern(s).
- Job hunt at your own pace. Consider job hunting as a marathon versus a sprint. It’s okay to want a new role, especially if you are being undervalued. But generally, job hunting methodically versus impulsively is more beneficial in the long run and less likely to land you in another less-than-stellar role. Consider using CharityVillage’s 2023 handbook for job seekers to aid in your job search.
Final thoughts
No job is perfect. However, if you feel frustrated at work and need a release, #rageapplying may be a good outlet for you! Just ensure that you stay mindful of your impulsive thoughts, think about how you can improve your current working environment, and job hunt at your own pace if needed.
