For my current job, I finally managed to stand firm in negotiations. They wanted to start me at the lowest option, but I argued for my experience in the field, interests, and personality traits that would be an asset. They came back to me later and said they’d bumped me up to the highest starting wage. Thank goodness! It’s been a journey to own my self-worth and find the confidence to demand a higher number. I’m glad I did. This job has a rare team of management that actually listens to their employees, so I know I lucked out.