Good luck on your test... Although I'm guessing you don't need luck...
Just caught up on your sitch...
It is interesting about your W's revelation to you as to WHY she felt you should say no to the offer... And like you, my initial response would have been to take the job...
But for me... and perhaps for you... the "respect and recognition" doesn't come through money... rather, it comes from the acknowledgement by the client that they really do want you to do the job...
I was head hunted by Google, once... about 6 years ago... I didn't end up working for them due to family choice... but it felt good... and I'm still sometimes recognized for work I've done almost 15 years ago... the money would be nice, but words of affirmation are more my LL...
But like you, I've become more aware that perhaps focusing less on the stroking and more on the money could go a long way... people DO come to me because of recognition of my skill... I just really suck at the negotiation... when someone tells me they have X dollars for a project... I take them at their word... I need to practice my negotiation skills... it's hard to do when money stresses are high...
Are you indicating that you're noticing a change in your W's behaviour, which might coincide with your reduced, accommodation behaviour?
Regarding the elephant in the room (EA/PA) are you saying you're starting to believe that the elephant might not exist? I'll touch more on this on my thread because of something you posted there... but do want to know if you feel the elephant is still there, or not...
