Exit Mode Thinking and Lasts: Some Barbservations

 

“Exit mode” thinking is a psychological state where people disengage from responsibilities, relationships, and/or commitments that they will soon leave behind. It is particularly evident when people are about to move, change jobs, transition out of a role (e.g., empty nesters) or enter a new phase of life (e.g., “senioritis” and retirement) and can impact behavior and decision-making.

 

When people are in exit mode, there may be a lack of care, concern, and responsibility (“it’s not my problem anymore”) or attention to detail about things that they will soon no longer be involved with and will no longer affect them. In other words, a perceived lack of consequences. People often detach from current responsibilities, including personal finances, and focus on future outcomes, sometimes to the detriment of others left behind.

 

Here are two examples (i.e., Barbservations) of exit mode thinking that I have recently observed:

 

Moving Out- Residents of my 55+ community are getting increasingly concerned about the looming handover of management from the developer to a resident-run homeowners association in late 2026 or 2027. There are many questions about adequate reserve funds, potential sinkholes in manmade lakes, future HOA fees, and uncompleted work orders. I’ve heard the words “getting out of Dodge” several times as people contemplate bailing and leaving other residents to deal with future problems.

 

Dying in Debt- Another troubling observation is overhearing conversations among some older adults about “playing the odds” between their health status, anticipated life expectancy, and consumer debt load. Sadly, revolving high debt balances by making minimum payments until you die is seriously being discussed. If an estate does not have enough money to pay off a deceased person’s individually-held debts, it is considered insolvent and the debts usually go unpaid. Of course, there is also no money available for heirs either as I recently observed with a death within my family.

 

Exit mode thinking can also prompt positive action when framed through a lens called “lasts.” I devoted a chapter to this concept in my book, Flipping a Switch.  Below is a brief excerpt:

 

Sometimes, at the exact moment that something is happening, we realize it is occurring for the last time in our life. For example, the final time we sit at our desk at a former job. Other times, we do not realize that “lasts” were actually the last time until later. With respect to spending decisions, if someone believes a car, house, cruise, or other big purchase might be the last one of their life, they may decide to spend more lavishly if they have the money to do so. Example: older adults might take a trip and invite (and pay for) their entire family to join them.

 

I also discuss ROLE (return on life expectancy) calculations in my book; i.e., “mental math” comparing how long things might live (e.g., a pet) or last (e.g., a refrigerator) in relation to your current age and whether certain expenses (e.g., an expensive dental crown or a product with a ten-year guarantee) are “worth it.”

 

In summary, as people age, their time orientation changes. It is a “switch” that flips gradually over time. Be aware of exit mode thinking in your life and how it influences your personal decisions.

This post provides general personal finance or consumer decision-making information and does not address all the variables that apply to an individual’s unique situation. It does not endorse specific products or services and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.