In order for us to understand who we truly are as people, we must first understand the exit sign. At face value, an exit sign is a bright, simple and legible sign that leads to a promising direction. It exists to help you leave, right? Wrong. It exists to keep you planted.

You see, modern life is full of wonder, action, aspiration, yearning, and promise - as it should be. But, let’s not be gullible. It’s also filled with hollow, dread, misery and anguish. I’d even argue that the world is more-so consumed by the latter. And if you pay close enough attention, the exit sign is practically staring you in the eyes. Thing is.. it knows you won’t use it. Jobs, cities, relationships, beliefs, the exit signs are there, reassuring you that an escape is theoretically possible, but you remain complacent and let it slip away.

One of my favorite shows today is a show called ‘Severance’. A brief premise to describe it: A man splits himself into two to escape the agony of everyday life. It’s really a great show. The reason I bring it up? Much like Severance, the real world echoes that same endless interior. Offices, cubicles, memory, identity, narratives. Perhaps the exit sign quietly enforces enclosure while implying freedom to the naked eye. Because as long as you believe that an exit is nearby, the more you’ll likely tolerate the place that you’re in.

"Complacency is comfortable and shift is suspension."

There’s a dilemma to confront that is brought upon by one thing. Modern guidance. Topics such as self-help advice, workflow hacks, “just quit” mantras. Often these things glow and point towards a direction to follow, much like an exit sign. But, very rarely do they account for consequences, or are designed to save everyone. Keep in mind: An exit often leads to a stairwell, not freedom. 

If there’s anything or anyone to confront in this precarious world that we live in, it would be the figure standing idle in the mirror. Do you really want out? Or do you want to know where out would be? In the grand scheme of things, an exit sign is a lit illusion that offers a glowing lie that leaving the place you’ve outgrown is going to be simple if you ever find the courage to jump into the deep, dark abyss. And that leap, I must say, is nothing short of exhilarating. 

                                                                                                 Feb. 1st, 2026