If I may make a suggestion: don't let up on the degree. Make that a priority in your life.
As for the rest - it's good that you keep the lines of communication open with W. Just be careful of her wanting to come back too soon. And keep up the listening. A good rule of thumb is 70/30. Listen 70% of the time at the very least. With MLCrs - try to do more, but don't do less.
Keep up the good work and good luck with the new job!
AJ
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK Put the glass down... "Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
