This question is a little hard for me to answer. I am generally a rule follower, so I am not usually trying to stick it to those who make the rules. However, when the rules are absurd, lack integrity, and unfair, I do try to push back. I have had little wins here and there in my career and with dealing with those who seemingly have the upper hand to me. But, usually it is pretty tough to fight city hall, and eventually I give up if I am beating my head against the wall.
The biggest way I have been able to stick it is by saving, saving, saving money. I really did not spend much at all the first 10 years of my marriage, and so now I feel free to quit or tell people I won’t do something, because of my financial situation. Unfortunately, my husband does not quite have the same liberty, being the breadwinner, but even he could quit and we could float for a while. Moreover, I don’t think he perceives his world as having to stick it to the man, not part of his make-up. He is greatful for the opportunities he has had in his life. He readily conforms to the expectations of a company, will cut his hair, dress to code, without a thought. If they asked him to do something very unreasonable or he felt treated unreasonably he would get out of there as soon as he could, and just move to the next thing. Unreasonable would be ridiculously long hours, too rigid about time off, not understanding during a crisis, feeling underpaid, and anything close to unethical or ilegal business practices he is out.