be (the) master of (one's) own fate

To make one's own decisions about or be in direct control of one's future, independent of the desires, expectations, or machinations of others. After being under the thumb of my family for so many years, it felt incredible to know that I was finally master of my own fate. Do you feel trapped in your career, with no say in the way you spend your working hours? Our three-day motivational seminar will give you the tools and confidence you need to be the master of your own fate. You're in college now. You're can be the master of your own fate.