I agree with you on all of that, as many people are far too loose with their emotions and stress, especially in regards to work. But I believe that properly applied anger, or even rage, is a greater tool than is given credit for.

Someone cooly looking at jobs will apply for ones that fit their criteria and generally keep the effort low, as there is low stakes involved. Someone doing so out of a frenzied desire to never set foot in that building again will be far looser with their stakes and pursue it with zeal and passion. Sure there is a risk of making a bad decision, but if your current job is driving you to such a place (or need advanced philosophical meditation to not reach it) than its unlikely the new job is that much of a step down anyway.

There is a balance between the two to find, but I find there are far more results in reality are born from not suppressing your emotions and instead letting them naturally motivate you further.