I rage-applied to 5 jobs after being passed over for a promotion and scored a higher-paying position in less than a week

The as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a music industry professional. It has been edited to make it clearer. Music coordinators in Los Angeles make an average of $60,000 a year.

When my boss decided to leave for another company, I was working at a sports broadcasting company. The department I helped build was specialized in organizing musical layout for entertainment programs. It can be difficult to get ahead in the music business, so landing this position in August 2020 made me feel more established in my field.

I thought the higher-ups would allow me to interview for the position that my supervisor left. I was his right-hand man for two years and was surprised when his replacement was announced.

We shared a lot of the same responsibilities. I was the one who dealt with it when he was too busy to do anything. I thought I'd be next in line for the promotion if he left.

I couldn't do this anymore.

It was time to move on

It was hard to believe. Since we were a new team, I had spent a lot of time building up the music department. They filled the position with someone else in the department and didn't ask if any of the other music coordinators would be interested in it.

I looked through professional Facebook groups and other places to see if anyone was looking for a music manager.

I rage-applied to five new jobs and saw something. After two years of working for the company, I felt like I had learned a lot. There wasn't a chance for me to move forward.

Less than a week after my boss ignored me, I got three interviews and multiple job offers.

Redefining rage and realizing my worth

The Los Angeles music industry is fast paced, so I was not surprised to be moving quickly, but I was happy that the timing worked out for me.

I interviewed for the job on Tuesday after applying for it over the weekend. I was offered the job. Other jobs gave me positions as well.

I'm working for a smaller music library, but I'm making more money than I did in the past, and I have a more senior role.

Rage-applying helped me know my worth

I think my rage-applying helped me get new opportunities quickly. I was not nervous because it made my thoughts clear. I knew I couldn't stay at my old company and I knew I couldn't settle for less than I am worth.

It doesn't have to be a negative thing to help me understand what I deserve from an employer.