1. Home
  2. Career lessons from the Stoics 3: control what you can, understand what you can’t

Career lessons from the Stoics 3: control what you can, understand what you can’t

Posted on • Career planning, Labour Market Information

Job searching can feel unpredictable, slow, and driven by forces far beyond your influence – labour markets shift due to wider economic factors and related employer needs. So, what can you do?

Stoic philosopher Epictetus has the answer: “Make the best use of what is in your power”. It’s all about knowing what’s up to you and what isn’t.

Learn what you can and can’t control

You can’t control employer decisions, market competition, or algorithms that filter applications; and you can’t force someone to shortlist your application. But you can control the way you respond: the actions you take, your preparation, self‑belief and how you deal with any challenges. This approach doesn’t pretend that external barriers don’t exist, but it does change how you navigate through them. Build your future with career confidence takes you through a structured sequence of activities to help you do it.

Think of the job search as a learning process

We all get disheartened when applications disappear into the void or you don’t hear back after an interview. But a rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth or potential. A Stoic might say it’s an escape from a situation that wasn’t a match for you. Though the decision is outside of your sphere of control, it’s an opportunity to learn and increase your chances in the future:

Review and reflect; Was I being realistic? Was this beyond my control? What are my options now? Ask for feedback if you can – it’s usually enlightening.

  • Did my application or interview really reflect my authentic self and what I’m capable of? Applications are not something we do all the time – so it’s useful for everyone to brush up their CVs, applications and interview skills.
  • Am I looking in the right places? You can’t control the economy – but you can control and improve your job seeking strategy.
  • Were my skills a good match? Why not audit your employability skills and get clarity on your strengths and where you might focus your development.
  • Each action you take moves you forward and will bring results.
OU Careers Consultant PennyPenny Beecroft is an OU Careers and Employability Consultant specialising in supporting students in Wales. Penny helps students navigate their futures, figure out their goals and build their confidence through one-to-one careers consultations and by designing career learning events and resources for the OU. Explore the rest of the Careers Stories page for more articles from the Careers and Employability Services team.