Core Concepts
Rage applying is a response to dissatisfaction and frustration at work, often driven by feelings of undervaluation and unhappiness, leading employees to seek new opportunities for better job satisfaction and financial gain.
Abstract
Rage applying, a term recently popularized on TikTok, reflects a growing trend among young workers seeking to escape unfulfilling jobs. While it can lead to pay increases and job changes, experts caution that it may not always result in long-term career satisfaction. The practice highlights broader issues of workplace discontent and the need for structured job searches to ensure lasting professional fulfillment.
Stats
"I was just overwhelmed and stressed all the time. I was like, I don't like the person I am right now. I want to move before I actually hate this job," said McLin.
"Many people are feeling undervalued, unsupported and unhappy in their jobs and they're looking for any way to fix it," said Jenna Greco.
"Since 2021, employees have been enjoying a 'golden era' of greater negotiating power — and the ability to command more pay as demand for labor surges after the height of the pandemic," noted experts.
"A quarter of those jobs said 'thanks but no thanks', the rest didn't respond. I got one request for an interview from the job that I ended up accepting," shared McLin.
"Not many of us make rational and objective decisions when we are angry. I would recommend that candidates take time to develop questions that hiring managers can answer," advised Bergen.
Quotes
"I think rage applying has resonated so much because there's a lot of unrest in the workforce right now." - Jenna Greco
"The high that comes from a potential pay bump at another toxic job is going to wear off pretty quickly." - Jenna Greco
"A tell-tale sign of rage applying is when candidates pursue about a dozen different jobs — and I do mean different — at all levels … in a variety of departments and geographic locations." - Vicki Salemi