I'm too dumb for that...

[OctopusSay]

DS1 is 21 yo and has worked at a fast food chain since the summer he took his Alevels. He seems to have done well there and is now a shift manager, but it was always supposed to be temporary while he went through the recruitment process for his life's dream.

Unfortunately he failed the medical. Nothing that affects him in any way, but it does mean this dream came to an end.

He's recently started looking at alternative work and applying for junior management roles within the same industry. I've suggested a few more "career" options and his response is always that he's not clever enough.

I think a school where he did OK but didn't shine, plus 3 years working in what so many see as a dead end job has really harmed him. He's not thick, he got 10 GCSEs grades B-C (5 & 6 in English and Maths, it was during the transition) and he passed 3 Alevels although admittedly only just. So an academic career was never on the cards, but he's not stupid.

What can I do now to help him realise this?

He has a lovely way with people, quietly authoritative without being bossy or aggressive.

Yes yes yes, I've suggested all these, he doesn't think he's clever enough. The question was how do I get him to realise he is, not asking for more suggestions.

Then you're going to need to get him some therapy.

He's lost his self belief and seems to have decided his medical issues (what are they?) mean he's stupid as opposed to clinically prevented from his career of choice.

If not therapy, some career counseling perhaps?

It sounds as if he is rather enjoying his current job. He seems keen to progress and stick at it.
Could it be that he is content, feels he has found his niche, is confident in his role and skills and doesn't want to move to another profession?
His assertion that he's 'not clever enough' could be his way of deflecting suggestions of a move because he doesn't want to disappoint you by his choice of employer?
I think I would refrain from making suggestions of different careers for now - it might undermine and unsettle what could be developing into a really good fit for him. Watch and wait, encourage his advancement where he is heading for now. The skills he is honing won't go to waste if/when he decides he wants to change direction, but this approach will allow him the freedom and confidence to follow his own path without feeling you are disappointed in his choices.

@OctopusSay

Yes yes yes, I've suggested all these, he doesn't think he's clever enough. The question was how do I get him to realise he is, not asking for more suggestions.

That's why I suggested a careers advisor...

@OctopusSay I'm a copper. I am more than happy to talk to him about a career in the police and talk him through the application process/training if you think he'd like that?

The police employ a wide range of people. It's not all macho anymore. Not everyone is academically gifted, some of my best colleagues are non graduates, but more importantly if your son has recent customer service experience he'll be loads better off than some new recruits we have, who've never had to work shifts or deal with shitty customers.

DM me and I'll happily email with him if he'd like.

Maybe try to get him to read Carol Dweck's stuff on fixed vs. growth mindset.

It's all about people who believe that intelligence and talents are innate and fixed (fixed mindset) vs. people who believe that if you practice you can grow and improve at things (growth mindset). The people with a growth mindset tend to do better than people with a fixed mindset.

Also, are there any potential examples you can use? Something like an uncle who left school with rubbish exam results but now beats everyone at Scrabble and is a successful/respected whatever.