I was in the same boat as you!
Functional arm reach was mm under the requirement and was offered ATC instead!
I really didn't know too much about the job except it had something to do aircraft.
So SSC accepted and off i went. I had a great 6 years and managed to get my ppl and night when i was in.
Now left and the cost of an ATPL is still a bit prohibitive and so have gone into civi ATC to open further doors (via the wage!)
RAF ATC is great (or at least it was when i controlled), but as Canary Boy says the course is hard.
If you need anything else PM me!
TFB