Did you try to find friends who had gotten out also? Did you try to get others out?
I faded in 2006 . In the past three yrs I have contacted old friends that had also left the witnesses ,mainly on facebook .
I have no desire to 'get anyone out ' . Leaving the religion has to be a personal decision made when a person reaches the point that they can admit all is not what it seems with in the KH walls . Even my own children had to make their own choice without pressure from me . HOWEVER ....If anyone that is an active Witness asks me why I left .....I will certainly not hold back the whole TRUTH and reasons .
Did you go to school (college/university)?
I was born and raised as a Witness and left when I was 44. I would love to be able to go to collge , but just feel it is not feasible money and age considered .
How different was the "world" you now found yourself in compared to living in JW-Land?
It feels like a very heavy burden has been lifted from my shoulders . I feel for the first time in my life that I am truely FREE to live my own life . In the congregation I was constantly worried about stumbling someone . I questioned my choices all the time worried someone at the Hall would consider me weak . I always felt NOT GOOD ENOUGH . The witnesses used emotional blackmail as a way to keep 'friends' in line . Such as "Well if you get more hours in service You will get more social invites ." You are not liked because of who you really are as a person ,but what appearence you make in the congregation .
What surprised you? Were the "worldy people" anything like what the WTS had warned you about pre-exit?
What surprised me was how easily we were welcomed by 'worldly friends'. The best surprise I have received was that my older DA'd brother accepted me with open arms even after all the years I had half heartedly shunned him .
I attended a Church the first few months after I left and I cried at how sincere and loving these people were .....so very different than what the KH had preached about them .
I have made many new friends and so far none are as horrible as the WTS described . Instead i have found friends that are accepting ,without manipulation .
It did not happen over night .The first two years were tough ! But I can honestly say "I am happier now than ever before ,and it was all worth it to feel this alive ,finally "