Gemotions

"So, how's the new intern doing?" Mark asked casually, leaning back in his chair. The question, seemingly innocuous, sent a jolt of discomfort through Ben. The intern, fresh from university, was making more than he was.

Ben forced a smile. "Great! Really enthusiastic." The enthusiasm, however, wasn't something he could muster for the intern.

He started scrutinizing his own performance, measuring his achievements against the intern's. He found it difficult to concentrate. He spent hours on research, searching for reasons for his lack of advancement.

Later that week he found himself at home, scrolling through job postings, even though he knew he wouldn't actually apply.