Gemotions

The new environment, the Finance department, was a jarring contrast to his previous workplace. The noise level was dramatically lower. The people seemed detached. The energy was gone. Michael leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath, fighting the urge to flee.

He kept replaying the conversation with his former manager, his words ringing in his ears. It was a good opportunity, a step forward in his career. Yet it felt like a defeat. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the familiar lines of stress deepening.

He looked around the room, feeling a sense of alienation. He knew that he had to adapt, to fit in. He didn't want to.