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Stoic at Work: Ancient Wisdom to Make Your Job a Bit Less Annoying
A sharply observed workplace survival guide that spins 49 entertaining modern rules from the wisdom of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Marcus Aurelius's timeless insights into human behaviour show that 2000 years on, not much has changed in the workplace and we could all do well if we focus on what we can control and worry less about things we can't.
As head of the Roman empire, he encountered his fair share of difficult people, frustrating situations and political infighting. In his Stoic philosophy bible, Meditations, Marcus Aurelius encouraged us to accept other people's inevitable shortcomings, make the most of our short life, resist the temptations of fame and flattery and, when things get too much, take a cosmic perspective of our existence.
Stoic at Work is for anyone with a job, applying ancient wisdom to the modern workplace set out in 49 rules, such think less; suck up but don't suck up; avoid irrelevant meetings; and remind yourself that work happiness sits somewhere on the spectrum between fear and boredom. These will help you manage the mind games, the meltdowns and the numbing reality that most of us must work until we die, transforming your experience of work from a place of irritation to a place of joy. Or one that is a bit more tolerable, at least.
Marcus Aurelius's timeless insights into human behaviour show that 2000 years on, not much has changed in the workplace and we could all do well if we focus on what we can control and worry less about things we can't.
As head of the Roman empire, he encountered his fair share of difficult people, frustrating situations and political infighting. In his Stoic philosophy bible, Meditations, Marcus Aurelius encouraged us to accept other people's inevitable shortcomings, make the most of our short life, resist the temptations of fame and flattery and, when things get too much, take a cosmic perspective of our existence.
Stoic at Work is for anyone with a job, applying ancient wisdom to the modern workplace set out in 49 rules, such think less; suck up but don't suck up; avoid irrelevant meetings; and remind yourself that work happiness sits somewhere on the spectrum between fear and boredom. These will help you manage the mind games, the meltdowns and the numbing reality that most of us must work until we die, transforming your experience of work from a place of irritation to a place of joy. Or one that is a bit more tolerable, at least.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
55 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 6, 2024
Marcus Aurelius style tips v. comedy and light banter on how to deal with annoying folk at work like Sally in procurement that snacks on one nut at a time during a meeting, or a the bloke that dresses like a wally, or even toss pots that noisily snack on pretzels while sitting on the men’s toilet to make eye contact on the way out while NOT WASHING HIS HANDS.
I had a few laughs; the author has had numerous jobs in her quest to live a stress-free life while possibly not following her own advice. This was a bit of fun and enlightening at the same time as I’ve not read anything on the topic of stoicism. The author raises points of what not to do in her layman’s terms, finalising with what Aurelius would do (or not).
I like the humility idea, acts of service are pretty much zeroed out if you are going to brag about it – I have a program in my life that abides by this too. If you’re going to get up there at work (or post about it on your socials) and say how amazing you are, please don’t.
The lightness is meant to be just that, light, I’m not sure if this is all real, but I know we all know the ones at work that, ahem, annoy by eating loudly, act poorly on zoom, or just plainly suck.
But keeping it real, where I work the lower paid don’t get to work from home. So, I won’t know what it’s like to be caught with my dacks down. What would Marcus do?
I see the author has Stoic In Love coming up. I’m curious.
Takeaway – you can’t control what you can’t control, and focus on you, your reactions, and don’t seek glory it’s not the way.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
I had a few laughs; the author has had numerous jobs in her quest to live a stress-free life while possibly not following her own advice. This was a bit of fun and enlightening at the same time as I’ve not read anything on the topic of stoicism. The author raises points of what not to do in her layman’s terms, finalising with what Aurelius would do (or not).
I like the humility idea, acts of service are pretty much zeroed out if you are going to brag about it – I have a program in my life that abides by this too. If you’re going to get up there at work (or post about it on your socials) and say how amazing you are, please don’t.
The lightness is meant to be just that, light, I’m not sure if this is all real, but I know we all know the ones at work that, ahem, annoy by eating loudly, act poorly on zoom, or just plainly suck.
But keeping it real, where I work the lower paid don’t get to work from home. So, I won’t know what it’s like to be caught with my dacks down. What would Marcus do?
I see the author has Stoic In Love coming up. I’m curious.
Takeaway – you can’t control what you can’t control, and focus on you, your reactions, and don’t seek glory it’s not the way.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
August 18, 2023
Hilarious but also filled with wisdom, I read it twice it was so good. Essential reading for any office worker hoping to look on lighter side of life.
October 21, 2023
I side with Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm. But I feel for the targets of Annie Lawson’s critique in this book, and it’s mostly not funny. The one bit that made me laugh was an unexpected use of the term “big business” in the context of pretzels.
Skip this book if you’re a remote worker: it’s almost entirely geared to cubicle environments.
Each chapter has three parts:
1. One of 49 workplace rules with anecdotal stories
2. A possible Stoic philosophy take on the rule
3. Final word (quote) from Marcus Aurelius
The proofreaders missed a few things. I found the Stoic philosophy sections repetitive and tended to skim them as I progressed.
I knew by page 2 that I wouldn’t like this book: “A friend...was fed up with being yelled at by ice addicts.” With one stigmatising word, you’ve swatted away someone as a problem, not a person.
Katie ticks off Annie’s friend for resisting recurring midday meetings, using “baby voice”. Katie’s team avoids booking meetings in the middle of the day to ensure space for lunch. The friend is livid: “WTF!!! [...] I reckon these doopers work four hours a day. Tops!”
First, I’m with Katie. Protecting your team’s breaks is admirable, and offering a time window for lunch is pretty standard – especially in offices. Second, the advice via Stoic philosophy addresses only the baby voice, not the unreasonable reaction to rejecting recurring midday meetings.
If Annie is poking fun at her unreasonable friends, it doesn’t come across.
Skip this book if you’re a remote worker: it’s almost entirely geared to cubicle environments.
Each chapter has three parts:
1. One of 49 workplace rules with anecdotal stories
2. A possible Stoic philosophy take on the rule
3. Final word (quote) from Marcus Aurelius
The proofreaders missed a few things. I found the Stoic philosophy sections repetitive and tended to skim them as I progressed.
I knew by page 2 that I wouldn’t like this book: “A friend...was fed up with being yelled at by ice addicts.” With one stigmatising word, you’ve swatted away someone as a problem, not a person.
Katie ticks off Annie’s friend for resisting recurring midday meetings, using “baby voice”. Katie’s team avoids booking meetings in the middle of the day to ensure space for lunch. The friend is livid: “WTF!!! [...] I reckon these doopers work four hours a day. Tops!”
First, I’m with Katie. Protecting your team’s breaks is admirable, and offering a time window for lunch is pretty standard – especially in offices. Second, the advice via Stoic philosophy addresses only the baby voice, not the unreasonable reaction to rejecting recurring midday meetings.
If Annie is poking fun at her unreasonable friends, it doesn’t come across.
November 14, 2023
The incorporation of stoic philosophy adds an interesting dimension to approach the ups and downs of professional life with resilience. While the book has its moments of wit and insight, it was a bit repetitive.
September 21, 2023
Loved every bit. Bite sized chapters are a big plus.
April 21, 2025
I wish I could subtly make this compulsory reading for every one of my colleagues...
Maybe leave a copy in the tea room and next to the water cooler?
Maybe leave a copy in the tea room and next to the water cooler?
February 26, 2024
Tomando prestadas las enseñanzas de los estoicos en general y de Marco Aurelio en particular, la autora revisa esas situaciones laborales que todos conocemos (compañeros pelotas, reuniones improductivas, jefes poco humildes, etc...) y nos da consejos para sobrellevarlas. Está escrito con mucho humor y me he reconocido en gran parte del libro.
January 24, 2025
Hilarious, informative and self-improving - I highly recommend! 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
The BLUF is that you can practice stoicism in the workplace by being strict with yourself and tolerant of others. Recognising what is and isn't in your sphere of influence and focussing on what you can affect. Finally adhere to the cardinal virtues of courage, justice, temperance and wisdom and allow them to guide your decisions.
Pros:
-Accessible introduction to meditations.
-Entertaining at first
-Great references to relevant quotes.
Cons:
-Confused. This book didnt need to be X number of rules. It could easily have been 49 corporate anecdotes explained through the 4 stoic virtues, grouping them by theme and making the book more cohesive. (Annie even mentions them in rule 23!)
-Repetitive format that, while loosely tied together under Marcus Aurelius's meditations, lacks thematic connection. At times it feels like a stretch, linking the anecdotes to mediations.
-Moralising and hypocritical at times. Chapter 15's anecdote roasts people for pretentious and pointless language. But then chapter 21 suggests the use of empty platitudes to say a lot but mean nothing... or more accurately, use veiled language to remove personal attribution to an opinion based on personal observations.
Further, another chapter says don't get caught slagging people off. This advice is hardly courageous or fair. Better advice would be to be strict with yourself, tolerant of others and remember than nobody errs on purpose, a world without these people is impossible and we should be forgiving.
This book is fine but if you've read meditations, or most of anything by Ryan Holiday you can probably skip this, put it next to the toilet for when you forget your phone.
Pros:
-Accessible introduction to meditations.
-Entertaining at first
-Great references to relevant quotes.
Cons:
-Confused. This book didnt need to be X number of rules. It could easily have been 49 corporate anecdotes explained through the 4 stoic virtues, grouping them by theme and making the book more cohesive. (Annie even mentions them in rule 23!)
-Repetitive format that, while loosely tied together under Marcus Aurelius's meditations, lacks thematic connection. At times it feels like a stretch, linking the anecdotes to mediations.
-Moralising and hypocritical at times. Chapter 15's anecdote roasts people for pretentious and pointless language. But then chapter 21 suggests the use of empty platitudes to say a lot but mean nothing... or more accurately, use veiled language to remove personal attribution to an opinion based on personal observations.
Further, another chapter says don't get caught slagging people off. This advice is hardly courageous or fair. Better advice would be to be strict with yourself, tolerant of others and remember than nobody errs on purpose, a world without these people is impossible and we should be forgiving.
This book is fine but if you've read meditations, or most of anything by Ryan Holiday you can probably skip this, put it next to the toilet for when you forget your phone.
August 13, 2024
Nothing new here. Everything poked at re: the workplace has already been written. Commonsense, inherent wisdom can be traced back 2300 years to the ancient Greeks and Romans? Every self-help book is redundant? I didn't come away with much from this, and the author's "49 modern rules" can probably be distilled down to two (which seem to be repeated throughout the book): don't worry about things outside your control, and don't waste your life worrying about what other people think.
November 2, 2023
I really struggled to get through this book. The anecdotes the author used from her working life were not entertaining and the “what do stoics say?” sections were really repetitive. A lot of the advice given felt generic, and the book just lacked substance. I also think the quotes from Marcus Aurelius could not be worded any more obscurely.
April 7, 2024
I found this book a real mix. I thought some of the quotes from Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius were excellent - in some ways similar to the wisdom of proverbs and Ecclesiastes, but the format of the book was tired and the mix of light-hearted ‘annoying’ workmates and genuine wisdom was jarring and a bit annoying to me.
May 13, 2024
The author, Annie Lawson, uses ancient wisdom from the Stoics to reflect on modern workplaces in her book, Stoic at Work.
Lawson quotes from Marcus Aurelius a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He wrote what we would describe as a journal which has been published as a book called, Meditations. He records personal insights and thoughts on Stoic philosophy.
Lawson uses examples from her experiences at various workplaces. Some of her unfortunate experiences are caused by her irresponsibility. However, she writes about how Stoic thinking can help navigate difficult people and situations. She uses humour, mostly hyperbole, and writes in an easy to read style.
The insight that had the most profound effect on Lawson, was differentiating between what we can change and what we cannot, and realising that time spent worrying about things we cannot change is pointless. One practical application is to become indifferent to other people’s opinions of ourselves, given that their thoughts are outside our control.
Lawson has come up with 49 rules for the modern workplace, starting with: Accept that people are annoying and even bosses can be annoying. She progresses through some more light hearted rules like double-check emails before sending and some more serious ones, such as don’t be upset by constructive criticism.
Overall an interesting and entertaining book on modern life.
Lawson quotes from Marcus Aurelius a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He wrote what we would describe as a journal which has been published as a book called, Meditations. He records personal insights and thoughts on Stoic philosophy.
Lawson uses examples from her experiences at various workplaces. Some of her unfortunate experiences are caused by her irresponsibility. However, she writes about how Stoic thinking can help navigate difficult people and situations. She uses humour, mostly hyperbole, and writes in an easy to read style.
The insight that had the most profound effect on Lawson, was differentiating between what we can change and what we cannot, and realising that time spent worrying about things we cannot change is pointless. One practical application is to become indifferent to other people’s opinions of ourselves, given that their thoughts are outside our control.
Lawson has come up with 49 rules for the modern workplace, starting with: Accept that people are annoying and even bosses can be annoying. She progresses through some more light hearted rules like double-check emails before sending and some more serious ones, such as don’t be upset by constructive criticism.
Overall an interesting and entertaining book on modern life.
September 28, 2024
I borrowed the audiobook on a whim, I largely do not believe in Stoicism as a guiding philosophical principal but I was interested in modern interpretations. Lawson was right to put forth the reminder that her advice largely does not apply to front line workers, such as myself (teacher) and once that was out of the way I actually enjoyed reminiscing about my days in marketing where everything felt insurmountable. In hindsight, Stoicism may have helped me realise the reality that none of it really mattered too much, now and also at the time. I enjoyed the general advice interpreted first for a modern audience and explained later via primary source recital. I did take some meaningful insight away, largely about deterministic ideas of value - praise and criticism of a thing do not diminish its value, they can simply enhance the application. That was soothing to consider at the moment.
October 30, 2023
Hysterically funny and great advice too - from Annie Lawson and the ancient Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
A list of 49 rules (because 50 has been done to death). Anyone who works, has worked, or might work, in an office will enjoy it. My favourite rules were rule 20 (don't eat pretzels on the toilet), rule 26 (check if Casual Fridays really are casual), and rule 39 (embrace team-building days). Rule 39 contains good advice such as have a friend on call with a fake emergency for when it is your team's turn to construct a sculpture from spaghetti and marsh mallows. If only I'd thought of doing that...
A list of 49 rules (because 50 has been done to death). Anyone who works, has worked, or might work, in an office will enjoy it. My favourite rules were rule 20 (don't eat pretzels on the toilet), rule 26 (check if Casual Fridays really are casual), and rule 39 (embrace team-building days). Rule 39 contains good advice such as have a friend on call with a fake emergency for when it is your team's turn to construct a sculpture from spaghetti and marsh mallows. If only I'd thought of doing that...
September 17, 2024
Hilariously funny. Some sentences are quotable (at least for me), and I finished this book with tons of #notetoself quotes, lol. For example: 'Everyone wants to be liked, but can someone's opinion of us determine how likable we are? Mastering the art of separating fact from opinion helps bring perspective to concerns about what others think. Attaching self-worth to the opinions of others fuels worry. Letting their opinions wash over you, having discarded the need to be liked, frees you from the shackles.'
November 27, 2023
Ancient wisdom revived for the modern workplace
This book provides comfort to anyone enduring the nonsense and irritations that accompany the modern workplace. There's also plenty of material associated with the virtual workplace of Zoom, Teams etc. The stoic philosophy comes in easily digested morsels, leavened with humour and wry anecdotes. I also enjoyed the illustrations, which set the right tone for the accompanying chapters.
This book provides comfort to anyone enduring the nonsense and irritations that accompany the modern workplace. There's also plenty of material associated with the virtual workplace of Zoom, Teams etc. The stoic philosophy comes in easily digested morsels, leavened with humour and wry anecdotes. I also enjoyed the illustrations, which set the right tone for the accompanying chapters.
July 21, 2024
This book saved my sanity during the challenging times at work. Literally, because if you start your day with pretty low expectations and an assumption that everyone will be annoying (see rule number 1 - people are annoying), things can hardly get worse. I liked the bite-sized chapters you could read in any order, too. I shared the book wisdoms with my colleagues at work, and they found it timely and hilarious.
My job is definitely less annoying now.
My job is definitely less annoying now.
October 11, 2023
This book is the perfect blend of humour and serious philosophical teachings. Annie’s hilarious work anecdotes will keep you laughing and by the end she manages to cleverly change your mindset about work. Whenever I’m having a bad work moment I now remember some of her catchy one liners and feel instantly better about things!
October 24, 2023
What a brilliant read!! This book has definitely helped me drag myself through my work day. Annie nails the workplace challenges and gives great insight about how to deal with endless meetings and the phrases ‘thought shower’ and ‘circle back’. Her anecdotes are relatable and informative. Thanks to Annie and the Stoics for such a clever book.
October 27, 2023
If you are new to self-help particularly when applied to the work place. This is the book for you. However, for those who are more with their inner soul, the concept may be a bit repetitive and with the added use of quotes from the Marcus Aurelius can come across jarring and ruins the flow of reading each key point.
November 4, 2023
As a noob to stoicism I needed an accessible entry point. This book has some very amusing and relatable anecdotes often centred on the author’s experiences with work places and the people in them. The philosophy is easy to digest when wrapped in modern and ancient tales of the work organism … perfect pick me up after a tough day.
November 18, 2023
For anyone stuck in a cubicle or an existential crisis—or both!
Whether you're a seasoned Stoic or a newcomer to philosophy, this book has something for everyone looking to bring a little ancient wisdom into the modern office.
Hilarious and helpful—It’s now my favorite gift for anyone with a job.
Whether you're a seasoned Stoic or a newcomer to philosophy, this book has something for everyone looking to bring a little ancient wisdom into the modern office.
Hilarious and helpful—It’s now my favorite gift for anyone with a job.
March 6, 2024
A quick audio book of only a little over 4 hours, bite-size nuggets of Marcus Aurelius's wisdom explained around modern day office work in a humorous way. I quite enjoyed it, laughed out loud a few times, disagreed with some rules and actually learned something useful. Now it's time to get serious and read up on the stoic way of life.
January 30, 2025
There are some rules that make me realize that I need to change in a good way, the examples provided are clever, and the associations are interesting with the Marcus's book "Meditations".
I put 3 start because the author just focused on a real example, an association and what the stoics used to say, it was the structure of this book, I'm not saying it is bad, I wanted more pragmatical though.
I put 3 start because the author just focused on a real example, an association and what the stoics used to say, it was the structure of this book, I'm not saying it is bad, I wanted more pragmatical though.
September 29, 2025
enjoyable read. Witty and funny with some scenarios in the workplace that hit to close to home. if you like the idea of being stoic and not sure how to apply the philosophy this is a good starting point. easy to digest marrying real world application with the musings of the stoics, you'll rule the work place in now time.
there is also cool little drawings.
there is also cool little drawings.
December 24, 2025
Another book I was gifted which I chose to read. Quite handy with some good tips on how to navigate the complexities of work life. Easy enough to get through. I don’t agree with all of the opinions of the author, and her critique of some of the stoic ideals wasn’t always on point. Overall, a half decent read.
September 10, 2023
Very clever, and laugh out loud funny. It had me at Rule #1... "Accept that people are annoying"... yep! Thank goodness for a bit of Marcus Aurelius wisdom to help us through the twists and turns of office life.
October 10, 2023
This is funny, sensible and an overall good reminder on how we should treat those around us. It seems especially apt in this post-pandemic world where tolerances are thin and fuses are short. In the end, human nature varies little, regardless of the country or century.
December 4, 2023
Brings Meditations a bit more to life. Didn't love the writing style but there were certainly some funny stories in there. Worth a read for anyone who has read Aurelius or Seneca and want it a bit more applicable to the modern world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews