How to Gain Control Over Uncertainty

Cristian Gomez on August 22, 2025

tags: At Work, Job Search, Self-Care

The workplace can have lots of uncertainty and it is normal to want to stay more in control. For someone who has received a cancer diagnosis, the workplace can feel especially unpredictable for many reasons. Questions arise regarding workplace accommodations, disclosing a diagnosis, communication strategies and scheduling. These unknowns can feel overwhelming, but uncertainty can open new ways in navigating your professional life.

A recent article in Fast Company provides us with five ways to help manage your uncertainty.

1. Accepting the situation

When navigating a cancer diagnosis, uncertainty can show up in many ways – unpredictable energy levels at work, the stress of balancing treatments and appointments with work or the challenge of finding a job that accommodates your health needs. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up; it means acknowledging that these uncertainties exist and choosing to work with them rather than against them. Letting go of the need for total control of your situation will help you manage the present more effectively.

2. Focus on what you can control 

For someone looking for work after receiving a cancer diagnosis, this might mean updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, perfecting your cover letter or strategizing your networking. If you’re currently working, it could be as simple as breaking down your role into step-by-step to-do lists and then eliminating distractions to help check things off one by one. While you can’t control every outcome, you can do your best to control your focus which can create a sense of stability.

3. Stick to your daily routines 

Having consistent routines can serve as a steady anchor during times of change and uncertainty. Whether it’s starting your day by taking a walk-in a nearby park, planning out your meals or sticking to a strict bedtime every day these practices bring a sense of structure when everything else feels unpredictable. Small rituals of normalcy create reliable pockets of stability you’ll be grateful for later.

4. Build flexibility 

Flexibility is one of the most valuable tools for navigating uncertainty. For those living with cancer, some weeks may be more challenging than others—energy levels, treatment side effects, or unexpected appointments can all shift your plans. By staying present and prepared for the unexpected, you allow space for adjustments without feeling defeated, leading to better outcomes!

5. Stop worrying about failure 

Fear of failure is inevitable but letting it take over can stall progress and keep you stuck in place. Instead of allowing procrastination or worry to dominate, challenge yourself to step beyond familiar routines and patterns. This will deepen your self-awareness and can open you up to asking "what if..." questions instead of worrying about failure. If you need support, we recommend talking to a therapist or social worker who can help talk you through some of these mental blocks and how to get over them.

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