What’s your number? This is the first question I ask when considering a new hire. I expect those I ask to know what it costs for them to live—not just to survive, but to thrive. I start with this question because it gives me a chance to understand a prospective employee’s expectations and needs, and to assess my ability to meet them. Since 2018, I have worked with close to 2,000 high school students, providing them with paid summer work experience. Most had never considered their number before.