Case Study: I Don’t Know What To Do With My Life

Photo: ©Diego Cervo via Canva.com

Biff has had seven jobs in five years. He is 24 years old and currently unemployed. Every six months he seems to be doing something new. It has been exhausting trying to keep up with his next idea, big plan, or get-rich-quick scheme. Biff is exhausted too, though he doesn’t admit this. You see the weariness in his demeanor. He’s coming to you for help.

You note that he is a passionate starter, but is undisciplined in executing his plans. Details are not his thing; he’s a big-picture, dreamer, guy. From a surface perspective, it seems that nearly everyone likes him, but he is steadily building a reputation as someone who is not dependable.

As you begin chatting with him, you notice that he not only has a growing list of former jobs, but his friend list is changing too. People come and go out of his life as his older friends distance themselves from him. He is known by many, but no one knows the real Biff.

He is in debt and overweight. He’s also easily discouraged and very difficult to motivate. He has been to four counselors before coming to you. His primary reason for seeing you is to figure out what to do with his life.

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” and why would you say that?

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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).