What wild work looks like in the workplace (and how to make a bigger impact)
When we talk about wild work, most people picture entrepreneurs blazing their own trails, flipping the bird to tradition, and doing things their own way. But here’s the truth: wild work isn’t just for startups or creatives on the fringes—it can (and should) happen everywhere, especially in everyday workplaces.
Wild work in the workplace is about challenging the status quo, speaking up when it counts, and making waves in ways that actually matter. It’s not about being reckless—it’s about being brave, thoughtful, and unapologetically authentic in spaces where conformity often reigns.
So, what does wild work actually look like at your 9–5? Let’s dive in.
1. Pushing back when it counts (without being a jerk)
Pushing back isn’t about throwing grenades in every meeting—it’s about knowing when to challenge the way things are done and offering better alternatives. Wild workers are the ones who ask the uncomfortable questions:
“Why do we always do it this way?”
“Is this really the best solution for our clients?”
“What’s stopping us from trying something new?”
It’s not rebellion for rebellion’s sake—it’s about creating space for better ideas, more efficient systems, and innovative solutions. You don’t need to be loud, but you do need to be fearless. Sometimes the boldest move is simply questioning outdated norms.
2. Advocating for yourself (and others)
Wild work also means having the guts to advocate for yourself. This could mean:
Asking for that raise you know you deserve 💰
Pushing for flexible working hours that support better work-life balance
Speaking up when you see unfair treatment or bad decisions affecting your team
But it’s not just about you. Being wild means lifting others up, too. If you’re in a position of influence, use it to amplify voices that aren’t being heard—whether that’s advocating for more inclusive policies or mentoring someone who’s just starting out.
3. Small actions, big impact
Not every act of wild work needs to shake the whole system. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent actions that create the biggest ripples:
Offering real feedback instead of sugar-coating issues just to keep the peace
Challenging groupthink by bringing new ideas to the table, even if they seem risky
Celebrating wins loudly to boost morale and encourage others to step up
Setting healthy boundaries to show that burnout isn’t a badge of honour
The key? Don’t underestimate the power of micro-rebellions—those little moments when you choose to show up differently can inspire change far beyond your immediate circle.
4. Redefining leadership (even if you’re not the boss)
You don’t need a fancy title to lead with impact. Wild work often starts with people who lead by example, not authority. It’s about showing integrity, staying curious, and being the person who lifts others instead of stepping on them to climb higher.
Here’s what that can look like:
Mentoring a colleague without being asked
Owning mistakes publicly, so others feel safe doing the same
Championing diversity by making sure all voices are heard in meetings
Leadership is less about the power you hold and more about how you use your influence to create positive change.
5. Staying true to your wild side (without burning out)
Wild work doesn’t mean running yourself into the ground trying to “prove” your worth. Real rebellion means working smarter, setting boundaries, and prioritising your well-being—because nothing’s more radical than refusing to glorify burnout culture.
Protect your energy, celebrate rest, and remember: sometimes the wildest thing you can do is slow down and focus on what really matters.
Unleash your inner wild at work
Wild work isn’t about breaking every rule—it’s about knowing which ones need breaking. It’s pushing for better, advocating for fairness, and showing up as your most authentic self, even when it’s uncomfortable.
So, whether you’re rewriting the playbook or just tweaking the rules, remember: every small act of courage adds up. And the ripple effects of your wildness? They might just change the whole damn game. 🔥
