Oh, Longy, I have empathy and how you endured as long as you did -- oh my! You were in the wrong WT bunker. The gals worked out in the wild, wild, west, but tried to use the 'acceptable' line 'part-time' instead of full time and plus! They just lied about it! Our situation was same but I didn't work -- ya know, the 'better than ever street' housewife (with a very busy life I might add!) and I clearly did not fit in for many reasons. They knew where I shopped, ate, socialized -- they all work in sales, etc., etc., or at least the ones not on the state till/handout system. The telephone lines were hot with needy con games. Oh, and where I resided those stuffy country clubs. Yup -- many life-long marriages of couples - upstanding citizens (families) of the community and various religions - all evil to JWs.
When I split permanently (my attendance was not good but I read my magazines and looked up every, single, scripture, jotting all down in shorthand - I do not know the Bible so waste of time!). I blocked calls/turned land lines off. My husband laughed said don't waste your time --- they're not going to burn down the lines nor was he putting up with it. I was upfront and let couple of powers that be know -- don't call, invite, waste your time - no handouts and you're not supposed to associate w/non JW -- I'm done!
I feel bad for the ex-Bethelites -- I want no one going hungry or living in tents.