Rage Applying – New Name for an Old Idea

I just learned about “rage applying“. Apparently, it takes place under the following conditions. When you don’t like your current work environment, you apply for a new job.

Trust me when I tell you that this is a new name for an old idea. No one has invented anything new by slapping a new moniker on this behaviour. (If anything, this new name is a fine example of re-branding at its finest!) Here’s the big, open secret just in case you haven’t learned this particular lesson yet. Most people look for new jobs when they no longer like their working conditions. This is a normal, rational response to a situation that has become unbearable and unpalatable. That this behaviour has earned itself a trendy hashtag says more about the merging of entertainment and news than it does about employee behaviour.

Sometimes, people find themselves in situations that they want to leave. Maybe it’s work, or maybe it’s a relationship. Whatever it is, people want a way out. They will look for an escape. Should you happen to find yourself in this position, might I suggest that you have a little bit of a cash cushion to tide you over? There should always be a little bit of money in the kitty for endings, especially when you initiate them. Endings can be painful, disruptive, and disagreeable. People rarely speak about the fact that endings are rarely, if ever, free.

Leaving your job for another one might entail a delay in receiving your first paycheque from your new employer. Take that into account before you leave your current position. Ask yourself if you have enough money set aside to continue paying your bills until you get that first paycheque? If you need to move cities for your new job, do you have enough to cover all the associated bills? Have you considered keeping a little cushion of cash set aside just in case the new job doesn’t live up to your expectations and you need to find another one?

Rage applying might assist you to get away from an intolerable situation, yet you should always be working towards making your dreams come true. If you’re going to look for a new job, ask yourself if it gets you closer to the life you really want to build for yourself. Is it a strategic move? Does the new job challenge and intrigue you? Will you be able to shed those tasks and responsibilities that you hate at your current job? Is there going to be a pay increase such that you can direct more of your hard-earned money towards the elements of your life that make you happiest?

Think about what you want to accomplish in 2023. Will rage applying help you attain your goals?

For the record, I’m not suggesting that you stay in unhappy situations. That’s not in your best interests, it’s detrimental to your mental health, and it won’t maximize your joy. I want to see that you’re moving towards the dreams that you have for your life. If you truly believe that applying for a new job will bring you joy, then start sending out those applications. Just make make sure that you’re smart about it. Establish what you’re looking for in your next position. Better promotional opportunities? A chance to work with someone you admire? Experience that will develop & strengthen areas where your skills are weak?

Take some time to determine what it is that you want. Don’t forget to consider the financial impacts too. It’s a no-brainer to leave for more money. A better work environment and a boatload more cash is what everyone wants. The challenge lies in figuring out what you’ll do if the next position pays you less than what you’re making right now, but will get you closer to your heart’s desire. Is a potential paycut justified if you truly believe that you’ll be happier? Can you take a pay decrease and still meet your financial goals?

Rage applying is a new name for an old trick. Life is too short to be utterly unhappy at work. Change your job, if you must. Moving to a situation that brings more joy into your life, or atleast eliminates a significant chunk of unhappiness from your life, is a good thing. Just do it in a smart way. Spend some time on the front-end to determine what you want, what you don’t want, and apply for positions accordingly.

Good luck!