Sentence 1: Tim got promoted at work. 
 Sentence 3: He decided to use his salary to treat himself 
 Sentence 4:  Tim wanted a new car as his threat to himself 
 Sentence 5:  After his first new paycheck he bought a Mercedes 
 Option 1: He was only making $10 an hour, but it was an improvement. 
 Option 2: He was given a much higher salary.