I say this because I really hate these kinds of questions. I wish I could just do my job and let everyone else decide what I'm worth.

No kidding. I would rather them offer me something or ask all of my peers what they think I'm worth than have to answer it myself.

Interesting story, BTW. I know that I'm going to need to be a little bold, not arrogant, but confident. I think going in with confidence and knowing what I'm worth is the best bet, which is why I'm going through all this. I want to try and find that magic number, if there is such a thing.