What is your Rut? 
Sunday February 27, 2005 by Hal
For some reason I’ve been getting more email lately about the “stuck-in-a-rut†syndrome. The problem I have in commenting on being in a rut is that everyone’s rut is different. Your rut might be someone else’s happiness and bliss! This evening’s email is a response to my article “Rutbusting”.
Hello Mr. Warfield,
Recently, I read your article on rut busting and I was hoping to gain some insights from you.
I finished undergrad in 1997, yet I have found myself stuck in a major job rut.
I have over this period applied to countless jobs within my major, yet the only jobs I have worked over this span have been in such “ex con” type jobs as a security guard, overnight stocker, front desk clerk and as a gopher at a private club.
To a large degree I have felt defeated by not getting a job within my major and this has internally caused me to be miserable in spirit. I’ve taken I feel a proactive step towards getting back in school starting in Jan and chasing my dream vocation — film.
What else besides going back to school to further my education, can I do to avoid having another rut? I certianly don’t wish this but feel its a valid concern after the way my job track has unfolded over the last 8 years.
Thank you, for your insights Mr. Warfield.
And I reply:
Everyone’s rut can be different. First, you don’t say what kind of undergraduate degree you received. Did you take the courses you did because YOU wanted to or because you thought it would help you in some specific career field? What approach did you take upon finishing school to find a job that was interesting? Your comments make me think you didn’t focus on jobs in your area of expertise.
Did you “take some time off†after college and lose momentum? Were you unsure how to proceed with a career search? While it’s good you’re returning to school, this can also sometimes be a further delaying tactic for not pursuing your true calling.
Do you know your true calling? Do you know your basic temperament type – if not I suggest you read some articles on temperament on my site – I’m gonna keep on lookin’. If you are a Phlegmatic type you will often have to struggle with laziness and lack of direction.
I don’t know if any of this helps. You might want to explore your “innards†a bit more by reading these articles -–
Let me know if you have further questions and best wishes.
MWJ 2005-08-10:
Alternative presentation of recommended articles for further reading —