Gemotions

Michael swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to answer his manager's question. He’d been a programmer in the data analytics department for five years, and now, he was being moved to customer support. He managed a strained smile.

The transition paperwork felt like a weight in his hand. He glanced down at the forms. His palms were slick. He tapped the pen, then put it down, the words on the page blurring slightly. He felt adrift. He had always been comfortable behind his computer screen. Dealing with people face-to-face… the idea seemed daunting.

His lunch break was spent hunched over a sandwich, barely touching the food. He avoided eye contact with his team members as they spoke about their cases. The thought of having to learn all new systems and processes filled him with a sinking sensation.