DF, there are many things that are "unwritten". Things that are "strongly implied".
Witnesses are encouraged NOT to associate with those outside the religion, except to preach to them. They are considered "bad association" and could influence you because "they do not love Jehovah". Simply ask one of the older "elders" at your friend's congregation. They will tell you this is the case.
As far as being in low paying jobs, this is not a general rule, but the result of their not encouraging higher education. Most Witnesses work in trades or have cleaning businesses and women often do secretarial work. The mentality is to "get by" financially and devote more time to preaching.
You need to do more research and ask more questions NOW. You will not be as free to do this once you are baptized into the religion (no matter what you are told).
As I said, many things are "unwritten" and only learned over time once you become a member. Even many members are unaware of things regarding the early history of the religion, since these things are not discussed.
Stephanus mentioned that it is the "culture" that is harmful. This is only something you will find out by a)lots of research or (b) the hard way after devoting years of your life to the religion. It is not that your conductor or other Witnesses are bad people. It is that they know nothing else and have failed to examine their own religion critically.
Path