If you pay any attention at all to social media, there's a good chance you're heard of terms like “quiet quitting” and “acting your wage” – trends that some workers have adopted in reaction to rising job dissatisfaction.

What if your first instinct when burnout or frustration sets in is to simply start applying for a host of other jobs?
Have you ever been tempted to use rage applying as a way to vent your frustration?

Rage applying is a phenomenon that has potential benefits and definite drawbacks. There are some tips on different ways you can deal with your frustration so that you can avoid rage applying to jobs.

What is rage applying for jobs?

It's only natural to get frustrated at work sometimes, but when that frustration becomes chronic it can lead to tremendous levels of dissatisfaction. Of course, many workers who become that dissatisfied with their jobs tend to look for new employment – and most do so in a deliberate and calculated manner. Rage applying is something different.

If you’re in a position to rage apply, you’re likely more focused on trying to avenge perceived wrongs than locating a better job and work environment. You’ve probably become so disenchanted that you’re submitting a flurry of applications and resumes to multiple employers, often without any serious research into whether those jobs are a good fit for your employment needs.

Possible benefits of rage applying

Of course, applying for jobs is a natural reaction when you're completely miserable and dissatisfied with your current role. And in an economy with millions of open positions, there's a good chance it won't be too difficult to receive a new job offer relatively quickly.

Actively searching for a new position before you quit a bad job is almost always a smart idea too, especially if you don't have enough savings to sustain you during a period of joblessness. And there are times when rage applying may offer benefits for some employees. For example:

Rage applying can often help you alleviate some of your frustrations and make you feel as though you’ve regained some control over your career.
Applying for a variety of jobs can help you to identify potential new opportunities.
The mere act of rage applying can sometimes spark a real desire for change and career advancement.
Rage applying can lead to job interviews, allowing you to gain invaluable interview experience.
Successful applications may lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and an increase in job happiness.

Likely negative consequences when you rage apply

However, it's also important to recognize that rage applying may not be the best way to address your frustration. In fact, there are a whole host of reasons why this response may contribute to even greater unhappiness:

Rage applying could lead you to take a job that ends up being as bad as the one you currently hold. If the move doesn't help you to resolve your underlying dissatisfaction, then it's probably not the right decision.
Since this type of job search is conducted with little planning, you could end up suffering from job search burnout from applying to so many different jobs in such a short period of time.
Employers who discover that you’re engaged in mass applications may react negatively. That could make your current work situation even worse than it already is.
There's also the risk that your frustration will be on display during interviews with other prospective employers, which could cause them to reject you as a candidate.
There’s also the likelihood that you may not even remember every job you’ve applied for in your current emotional state. That could be embarrassing when those companies start to contact you for interviews.
Rage applying is a reactionary response to frustration that is typically fueled by emotion. That's rarely the best way to approach a job search – or any other problem.

Alternatives to rage applying

The best way to avoid the negative consequences that could result from rage applying is to develop strategies to manage your response to frustration and dissatisfaction. The following tips can help.

Focus on your professional development. Sometimes, the best way to get out of a negative rut is to focus attention on yourself and your capabilities. Work on learning new skills or enhancing your existing skill set. That can boost your confidence, increase your effectiveness at work, and help to alleviate burnout and stress.
Take time to evaluate the situation so that you fully understand your own emotions and frustrations. There is usually no harm in taking a few days or weeks to consider your options before you rush into an application frenzy.
Sometimes, talking to your employer can help them understand your frustration. That understanding could result in a greater effort on their part to ensure that your concerns are addressed. Try scheduling a one-on-one meeting so you can discuss those concerns in a private setting. Just be sure that you do so in a calm and rational way.
Figure out what you really want from your job. If your current job can't meet your career and job goals, then it's probably time to move on to another company. Try writing down a list of your career needs and review each one to ensure that your current situation aligns with those priorities.
If you decide to seek another job, do not proceed without a serious plan. Rather than just submitting resumes to a bunch of companies, take the time to research each role and tailor your resume to fit the jobs you want.
Don't forget your professional network. Your network connections may be the best source for a host of unadvertised opportunities and can often help you identify companies and roles that will be a better fit for your career.
Make sure you take time for your own well-being. Make time to exercise, rest, and engage in recreational activities. Protect your mental, emotional, and physical health so that you have the strength to deal with any challenges that come your way.
Focus on increasing your personal resilience to help you rebound from frustration and other obstacles. Learn to apply resilience theory to your life to help you minimize stress and maintain your focus on the things that matter most.

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Stay in control for better results

The rage applying trend looks really good for many of today's frustrated workers; however, it's better to maintain some level of control over your career. By controlling your emotional response to job dissatisfaction, you can take a more strategic approach to finding a new job and avoid burning any unnecessary bridges with your employer and industry.

Whether you’re rage applying or not, it’s important to have a resume that works for you. Get your free resume review today!