**Title: The Dream Salary**

Maya sat in her favorite coffee shop, sipping on a cappuccino as she scrolled through job listings on her phone. The cafe was buzzing with people, the warm hum of conversations and clinking cups surrounding her. The world felt alive today, filled with possibilities. And that, she realized, was exactly what she needed. Possibility.

She tapped on a new job opening: "Marketing Manager – Dream Company." She'd been following this company for months. Their values aligned perfectly with hers, and their products? Well, they were incredible. She could imagine herself walking into their sleek office, laptop in hand, ready to make her mark. The only problem? The salary was... vague.

She leaned back in her chair and started daydreaming about what that dream salary would be. The one that would make her feel secure, respected, and, most importantly, excited. A salary that matched her worth, not just in terms of the market, but in terms of how hard she’d worked to get here.

If she could pick any number, she thought, it would have to be $120,000. Not just because it sounded impressive, but because it felt right. It was enough to pay off student loans, put money into savings for travel, and still live comfortably in the city. More than that, it felt like the kind of number that acknowledged her experience and dedication.

Maya smiled to herself, imagining how different life would be with that kind of salary. She could finally book that dream vacation to Bali she'd been putting off for years. She could help her parents renovate their home, something they'd always dreamed of but never had the means to do. And of course, she’d feel more confident walking into meetings, not second-guessing whether her compensation matched her value.

But then, a thought interrupted her fantasy. What if I asked for even more?

Her heart raced a little. Wasn’t there a part of her that always felt like she deserved more? Not just in terms of money but in the respect and recognition for the work she’d done? $150,000. She chuckled at the thought. Maybe it was bold, but why not? If she was aiming for her dream salary, why not aim higher?

The key, she realized, was knowing her worth. She didn’t just want a paycheck. She wanted to be part of a company that valued her contributions, a place where the salary reflected not just the role but the passion she brought to the table. She was good at what she did. She had the portfolio to prove it.

Maya tapped the screen again, her fingers hovering over the “Apply” button. She already knew what her answer would be. When the interview came around, she’d be ready. Ready to ask for what she truly believed she deserved. A number that wasn’t just about survival, but about thriving.

She hit “Apply” and smiled.

The real question wasn’t about a specific number—it was about the confidence to ask for what she was worth. And that, she realized, was the kind of salary that would make all the difference.

In that moment, her dream salary wasn’t just about the money. It was about knowing her own value.