MY DREAMS ARE IN TATTERS

‘SUFFERING IS TRAUMATIC AND AWFUL AND WE GET ANGRY AND WE SHAKE OUR FISTS AT THE HEAVENS AND WE RANT AND RAGE AND WEEP. BUT IN THE PROCESS WE DISCOVER A NEW TOMORROW, ONE WE NEVER IMAGINED OTHERWISE’

– ROB BELL, AMERICAN AUTHOR

All my life I dreamt of becoming a pilot. I applied and was approved conditionally pending my medical.

However, during my medical it was determined that I’m colourblind and that I have a problem with my heart.

The heart issue can be corrected with an operation, but unfortunately nothing can be done about the colour-blindness. As a result I’m not eligible to train as a pilot.

What do I do now? I feel as if my world has fallen apart and my dreams are in tatters.

Grant, email

It is always difficult when a life dream cannot be fulfilled. However, many years of career counselling have taught me there isn’t only one career that can bring happiness and work satisfaction to one’s life. Because you were so intent on your dream of becoming a pilot, you haven’t explored other career paths that could be just as fulfilling.

It is important when you’re choosing a career to think about all your passions. Do you want to help to people, travel the world, be involved with wildlife, educate people?

Once you’ve identified your passions you need to see how these fit with your skills and aptitudes. For example, if you are the kind of person who wants to help people, you could consider going into the medical field, or becoming a psychologist or physiotherapist.

If you know what your interests and passions are but aren’t sure about your aptitudes, consider consulting with a counselling psychologist.