To be a law unto myself?

[Pigletspal]

I’ve noticed my boss is often quite specific with me. We’ve got a friendly relationship and I’m good at my job, but she will say things like “wait for the go-ahead from me before xyz” quite often. I thought to myself today... “It’s like she thinks I am a law unto myself”
... and then it hit me that I absolutely 100% AM a law unto myself and always have been. If somebody explicitly tells me not to do something then I won’t do it. Otherwise I just go for it and will interpret the grey areas in my own favour every time. I would’t let a rule or opinion I don’t rate get in my way if I thought I could get round, I’d just try not to get caught. Sometimes, even getting caught is worth it!
I have a pretty strong moral compass by the way, I wouldn’t break the law, hurt anyone or intentionally put anyone at a disadvantage by my actions, I just tend to weigh up the pros and cons for myself and make my own choice which rules I will or won’t respect.

Is this a bad personality trait? I have always been proud of my independent and slightly wacky/maverick streak, but now I am wondering if I should be trying to reign myself in?

@GhostCurry you've over thought that one a bit I'd say.

This attitude has got me far!
I call it using your initiative and having autonomy. I hate having to micromanage staff and to be micromanage, both cases show a distinct weakness.

It sounds to me like your line manager is actually almost finding you threatening as you know what to do and how to do it, to do a bloody good job!

Bet your manager also uses your wins to her benefit and not attributing to you.

I think it depends on who/what you're responsible for.
If you're going to rogue over something that would only affect you if it went tits up, fine, dance to your own drum. I'd you don't house share and it's only you who will have to pay the price for having a hamster then go for it.
However if you are responsible for others (as it sounds like you are at work) then maybe it's not your right to choose how you do things. Doing things by the book can be hugely beneficial because it's harder to argue against or pick holes in. If your manager wants you to run stuff by her she doesn't trust you to do everything how she believes it should be done at work. If you're an advocate you can still be passionate and relentless and inventive and get shit done without being a law into yourself.
Sometimes going rogue is needed to get results if you are that rare person with the experience and authority to know better than the accepted wisdom. For example, Oncologists that treat differently from recommended guidelines have been found to have better results overall. But these Oncologists are probably the top dog level 10 experts in their field to even consider it in the first place. If every GP or Junior Doctor had the same thought it would be disastrous.
I'm an evidence based kinda gal so don't like rules with no reason, but I don't have the arrogance to think I truly know better.
I suppose the question is when you go rogue do you have the talent to back it up?
And also, if everyone behaved like you, would it be a good thing?

Thanks for the replies, food for thought. I’m glad some of you think it’s okay, I guess context is everything.
And @Ghostlyglow I admit there are a few more, but I’m a bit afraid of the crowd here ! Clearly more of a wimp that I’d care to admit but aibu is a scary place for rule breakers!

Your rule breaking sounds pretty considered and sensible to me e.g using an empty mens loo - by doing this you actually eased the loo queue for everyone else in the ladies queue...the hamster-the actual impact of the hamster on the house=low therefore why ask etc. You sound pretty self-aware too. I'm an ask forgiveness rather than permission sort of person also, unless my actions will hurt someone.

I like the sound of you @Pigletspal always nice to find someone with a sense of fun on here.

Maybe work wise you're not much of a team player & prefer roles where you are the decision maker as you feel you are capable & logical. But bending it to your preference isn't moral if there are consequences that may badly impact your clients or coworkers. The stuff outside work is very minor, I think I'd do the path thing but not the mens loo, could be embarrassing for men there at work & not safe for you too if public loo.

Yes *PhilCornwall1” as you can see from the comment I posted before I replied to yours, I spent all of 72 seconds overthinking your post. Including the time it took me to read your comment and type my reply. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it.