At the start of the story, the long-term goals Tom aspired to achieve were to rise to the top of his company and to get a raise. When it stated, “They [the yellow paper] were the way to change from a name on the payroll to a name in the minds of the company officials,” it suggests he wants to get a promotion. Benecke hopes to advance his current position at his job. Thus, this proves the reason why he spends extensive hours working on the yellow sheet of paper rather than spending time with his wife. In addition, he says to his spouse, “You won’t mind, though, will you, when the money comes rolling in and I’m known as the Boy Wizard of Wholesale Groceries?” Based on this question, it reveals he wants fame, as well. Through his hours working,