write one's own ticket

write (one's) (own) ticket

To have the means, ability, or empowerment to decide one's own terms or course of action. Students who specialize in computer programming have been able to write their tickets in the economy for the last several years, as demand has continued to outpace supply for skilled employees in this field. The movie star began writing her own tickets after she exploded in popularity in the early 2000s.

See also: ticket, write

write one's own ticket

Set one's own conditions or course of action according to one's wishes or needs. For example, This generous grant lets recipients write their own tickets. This term uses ticket in the sense of "something entitling the holder to a privilege." [Colloquial; 1920s]

See also: own, ticket, write