Sometimes have to put manually out of 3rd (65 Column)

Happened to me this morning on the 1965, happens a lot on the 1968, I drove to the pump, and just before I entered my car didn't get out of it's 3rd gear, the shifter got somewhere stuck in between.

I eventually pulled it back with the clutch pressed and pulled the rod next to the steering column back so it got back into gear again.
(not my pic)



Have I just been careless or is it time for maintenance due to part wearing?

thx in advance.