I don't think a "my condolences" or "I wish you the best" will cut it. Your question is well-thought out and is of general interest to aspiring and active Mathematicians.

Questions about professional development in Mathematics have a place here on MathOverflow - at least until a better place for it comes along. But have you tried quora? Maybe this is a Philosophy of Mathematics question.

Mathematics, in its logical rigor, is a counter-intuitive way of thinking. Most people are not that precise. How does that fit into the professional world?