In a world that never stops scrolling, logging off has become a quiet luxury.

Opting out — of constant connection, endless notifications, and always-on culture — isn’t just about finding peace of mind. It’s starting to carry real financial and professional value. From concierge medicine to memberships that offer access to calm, people are paying a premium for the privilege of saving time and accessing peaceful environments.

It’s not the same as taking a digital detox vacation. Opting out is a deeper shift — a deliberate decision to say no to the pressure of being always available, not just for the short-term, and saying yes to something more sustainable.

What’s the real cost of being available?

On paper, the average American spends about three hours a day watching TV and more than an hour scrolling a phone.¹ But the real toll may come from the pressure some people put on themselves to always be reachable on their devices. And it’s not just their family and friends that they respond to without delay: Empower research shows that 49% of full-time employees check email while on PTO, and 42% answer them. 

There's a big benefit to choosing to be more selective. Chronic stress has been linked to anxiety, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and more.² And the effects aren’t just physical. Decision fatigue, reduced focus, and diminished creativity can carry professional costs as well.³

Job stress costs U.S. companies an estimated $300 billion a year.⁴ When people give themselves time to relax and turn off for even a short while, it could help ease stress. 

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Putting a price on privacy and free time

Empower research found that 66% of Americans are willing to spend more on an item or service if it gives them more free time. In addition, people say their time is worth an average of $240 per hour.

Concierge medicine is one of the more tangible ways people are finding a way to save time when it comes to visiting the doctor, and the industry is projected to grow from $20.3 billion in 2024 to $35.8 billion by 2030.⁵

Private wellness spaces and members-only clubs designed for focused work or quiet recovery are also part of this movement. Member-only airport lounges are increasing in popularity with some providing sensory rooms with low lighting and soft surfaces, or with biophilic design and lush greenery to bring the natural world indoors.⁶ Some lounges even offer pre-flight facials, meditation, massage, or space for a nap.⁷

Membership-based coworking clubs, like NeueHouse in New York and Los Angeles, provide soundproof spaces, focus zones, and meditation rooms.⁸ Salon memberships at NeueHouse start at $3,600 annually, offering access to communal workspaces, meeting rooms, and cultural programming. Urban sanctuaries such as Nap York offer nap pods and quiet lounges for less than the cost of most hotel rooms in the city.⁹

Even libraries are being reimagined — from glass-enclosed pods to upgraded reading rooms designed for deep work. These opt-out environments are gaining ground as more people seek quiet on their own terms.¹⁰

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The return on saying no

Opting out doesn’t always mean going off-grid. Sometimes, it’s as simple as setting boundaries — shutting the laptop at 6 pm, silencing the phone on weekends, or choosing not to chase every alert that pops up.

Those small decisions can carry real weight. Preserving energy, protecting focus, and carving out room to think are important to reduce stress.

And more people are starting to recognize the trade-offs. According to Empower research, 40% of Americans would rather pay now to make life easier than save to have more money later. Empower research found that 56% would pay a premium for peace of mind, and 19% would be willing to take on debt for items or services that help them achieve it.