which you will certainly enjoy and learn about yourself
Ahhh see there you go, the $500 isn't an "interview fee", it's more like leisure time or perhaps a course for YOUR own benefit! I've seen the light!!! Seems silly really, I mean here I am, looking to be paid for employment, when what I should have been doing is looking for a publicly listed multi-national that could provide me a similar service at my own cost!
Last time I checked though $500 still bought a lot of beer down the pub and I've certainly managed to enjoy myself there... might have even learned something about myself too (Chartreuse, tequila, southern comfort and beer aren't a good combo in the during or after phases for example)