Not going into specifics but I found out recently that I've been permanently shut out of my dream career. Realize this is bitch-mode but I'm downright destroyed over this. Drinking slightly more than usual. No motivation for anything. Really in a dark place now.
Have any of you been dealt such shitty, life-altering news? How did you deal?
I'm limited in that I've learned if I don't have a passion for something I usually quit or fail. And so few things interest me enough to dedicate my life to them. I do have at least a little time on my side since I'm 31.
I've had this experience. My suggestion is to move on as quickly as possible. Drinking won't help, I know this first hand. Also, think about seeing a psychologist. Talking to a professional really can help you work through this.
You are lucky being 31 years old. My career got fucked over when I was 52 years old. It is hard to move on at that age. I sucked it up and continued working for the same employer until I retired. This was a hard decision. These days, I'm laughing all the way to the bank with a really nice retirement income. That might not have happened had I told my employer to fuck it and quit.
My position was contracted out to a big corporation. After too many years, my employer realized the error in this. They ended up paying the contractor a lot more than I made and for less product. Unfortunately, they never admitted their mistake and asked me to come back. If they had, I'm not sure I would have taken them up on the offer. I was just that bitter.