48 Case Studies 14: I Don’t Know What To Do With My Life

Photo: ©Diego Cervo via Canva.com

Biff, a 24-year-old, has cycled through seven jobs in five years and is currently unemployed. His pattern of chasing big plans and get-rich-quick schemes every few months reflects his passion for starting projects but a lack of discipline to see them through. While Biff’s charm and likability have endeared him to many, his growing reputation for being unreliable is causing friends and job opportunities to slip away.

Life Over Coffee Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

Though outwardly upbeat, Biff’s weariness is evident. The strain of his constant restarts has taken a toll on him, leaving him spiritually and physically drained. His friends are transient, as old friends begin to distance themselves after witnessing his lack of follow-through and consistency. With nobody close to him, there isn’t anyone to hold him accountable or dare speak into his life.

Biff also struggles with debt, being overweight, and a persistent sense of discouragement. Lacking motivation and an ability to handle details, he finds himself stuck in a constant state of flux. Despite seeing four counselors before seeking your help, Biff still feels lost and uncertain about his life’s direction. His primary goal is to find clarity and figure out what to do with his life. At the same time, you recognize the deeper need to address his heart issues and underlying motivations for lasting transformation.

Case Study Questions

1. What else would you like to know about Biff? Where would you start?
2. What behavioral homework assignments would you 
give him?
3. Name three possible “heart idols.” Why would you 
say that?

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please support us here if you want to help us keep our resources free.

Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).