Then another.
One company offered me $72,000.
Another offered $78,000.
Then I interviewed with a competitor.
They asked me about my experience.
I explained what I did.
They asked about my accomplishments.
I gave them numbers.
They asked what salary I expected.
For the first time in my career, I didn’t feel guilty saying a number.
“Eighty-five thousand.”
There was silence.
Then the hiring manager smiled.
“That sounds reasonable.”
Two days later, they offered me $92,000.
I stared at the email for several minutes.
$92,000.
Nearly $40,000 more than I had been making.
For doing work I already knew how to do.
I accepted.
But I didn’t tell Karen immediately.
I wanted everything finalized first.
Signed contract.
Confirmed start date.
Benefits.
