Gemotions

"You'll be working with the international team, handling the new Asia Pacific accounts," his supervisor announced, the words echoing in the sudden silence of his office. His palms began to itch, a physical manifestation of his apprehension.

He'd spent his career perfecting his skills in domestic sales, understanding the nuances of the local market. Now, he was expected to navigate time zones, cultural differences, and a language barrier he only vaguely understood.

He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He gripped the edge of his desk, the wood cold and unyielding. The thought of all the unfamiliar faces, the complex deals, the potential for failure, made his head spin.

He stammered, "But... my Mandarin is rusty." He needed to get out, he needed to hide.