Unemployed, 27-year-old smart guy has hit a wall

Dear Harlan: I am a 27-year-old man, and I have hit a wall in my life. I'm an intelligent guy with seemingly limitless potential for happiness and success, yet cannot find a career (or hobby) that feels worthwhile. I am a laid-off service technician for an irrigation company. It is a thankless job that has taken a mental and physical toll on me. I have taken a few college courses and enjoy learning, but do not know if it is financially feasible to return to school. I'm sure I have a lot more to offer this world than fixing leaks. Any suggestions? - Hit a Wall

Dear Hit a Wall: Don't panic. Don't beat yourself up. Breathe deep. Take a walk. And take a break. Your passion is there, but you've just spent so much time starving your soul that you've buried it. Use that intellect and irrigation skills to unearth it. If you're not working, consider volunteering helping kids learn to read or spend time giving of yourself to those who can benefit from your gifts. Read a book that speaks to you, build something tangible, meditate and surround yourself with people who are living their passions. Make an appointment with the financial-aid advisers at your local community college, or look into online programs. Non-traditional students are becoming traditional. Investigate scholarships and grants. Use this time to build equity in yourself and relationships with people who can inspire you. With some training and new life experiences, you'll unearth your passion. You've spent so long ignoring yourself that it might take time to grow into the person you've always want to become.

Dear Harlan: My roommate stinks and has stopped showering. I have no idea why. I am a swimmer and swim twice a day, which means I shower at least three times a day. I am not nuts "“ I just hate chlorine. I am desperate. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but people have suggested that I talk to her. Others have suggested talking to the resident assistant, but she smokes pot in her room. So, any good ideas out there? Thanks! - Holding My Breath

Dear Holding Your Breath: It's like having a roommate with food in her teeth and horrible bad breath, and never saying anything because you don't want to embarrass her or feel embarrassed. I know you don't want to talk to her about this, but talking to everyone else about her isn't helpful. I know it's uncomfortable, but she deserves to know the truth. By hiding the truth, you're just causing a bigger stink. She might not realize that she's emitting an offensive odor. She's been smelling herself for so long that she may think that her stink is normal. And who knows? She might have a medical condition that she's not sharing. Come at this from a place of compassion. Tell her that you're uncomfortable bringing this problem up, but you need to be honest with her. Ask her if she has a medical reason why she doesn't shower. Then mention the odor. Don't attack her or make it confrontational "“ make it conversational. Then tell her that if there's anything about you that ever makes her uncomfortable, feel free to share. Yes, this is uncomfortable and far from easy, but life can be uncomfortable. As for your resident assistant, find another RA on a different floor who can help you, and report your high RA to a supervisor.

(c) Harlan Cohen 2009. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.

Harlan is the author of "Dad's Pregnant Too" (Sourcebooks). Write Harlan at harlan(at)helpmeharlan.com or visit online: www.helpmeharlan.com. All letters submitted become property of the author. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan! 2506 N. Clark St., Ste. 223, Chicago, IL 60614.