What is rage applying and why it won't fix your career

We all have ups and downs at work, but have you ever been at that stage where you’ve finally had enough?

Maybe you found out the raise you were promised isn’t going to happen, or your micromanaging boss is constantly criticizing your work. Or perhaps you weren’t recognized for your role in a major project.  

These types of situations would understandably make even the most patient person furious. And while such situations aren’t new, how workers are responding to them is, giving way to a workplace trend dubbed “rage applying.”

One key benefit of most professional organizations is access to networking and mentoring opportunities. These connections can allow you to meet new people and build relationships with others in your field.

While networking can sometimes feel intimidating and requires time and consistency, it is worth the effort. Effective networking provides you access to a supportive community that may lead to opportunities you might not have found otherwise. 

Many professional organizations also have proprietary job boards that feature listings not advertised on traditional job sites and that may be more aligned with your industry, skills and career goals.

Being an active member of a professional organization signals to employers that you are committed to your field and engaged in ongoing professional development. Actively participating can also allow you to take on leadership roles, enhancing both your resumé and skill set. 

While you might be initially be drawn to LinkedIn’s job board, the platform offers many other valuable features. Start by ensuring your profile is complete and up to date. A recent study found that job candidates with a comprehensive LinkedIn^® profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview.  

With LinkedIn’s “Featured” section, you can display your projects, articles, presentations and videos as part of your profile — media that could attract recruiters’ attention and that aren’t typically highlighted using standard job boards.

Once your profile is up to date, follow companies you’re interested in and comment on their posts. This will keep you informed about job openings and updates from those companies.

LinkedIn also offers groups related to your industry and interests, as well as events like webinars and workshops. Joining these groups and participating in discussions or events can help you network with others and expand your knowledge.

As you get more comfortable, start posting your own content, such as personal insights, short articles or videos. Doing so will bring visibility to your expertise and thought leadership; and with a strong profile, you might attract the attention of recruiters and potential employers (no rage applying needed).

Instead of solely focusing on job hunting during times of frustration, try redirecting your energy toward expanding your skill set. Investing in your professional development has many benefits and can make you more marketable.

Professional development helps you refine in-demand skills, prepares you for future opportunities or career changes, and provides a sense of progress and fulfillment. This not only boosts your confidence but also helps counteract negative feelings like stress and burnout.

Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer free or low-cost courses on a variety of topics across industries.

You might also consider enrolling in a workshop, taking a boot camp professional development course or pursuing a degree program.

By enhancing your skills and continuing to learn, you prepare for future career prospects as well as gain confidence to tackle workplace challenges with renewed energy and perspective.

Above all, make your mental and physical health a top priority when feeling unhappy at work.  Tapping into your resilience — the ability to keep moving forward despite difficulties — is key for coping with stress.

Simple activities like taking a walk during your lunch break, spending time with friends and family, engaging in a hobby or doing something that brings you joy, even for just a few minutes, can increase self-awareness, improve physical health and foster positive relationships. All of these things help alleviate frustration and build resilience.

In fact, taking a few deep breaths and a quick walk outside might help you see that the problem wasn’t as bad as you initially thought. And if afterward you’re still considering quitting, coming back to the decision with a clearer mindset can help you make better choices and get better results.