I would say I'm happier. While a jw, I felt tired and anxious and guilty and depressed all the time with no clue why. Since leaving/fading, I am only left with the anxiety part because I've still got close jw family and their kingdom hall is literally 1 minute away from my business (which I own). I have an xmas tree in the house but feel anxious that the elders are going to stop by unannounced, which they tend to do...my spouse is recently faded so they feel he still has hope. Once we speak with the families about our true feelings, I think the anxiety will be much less. Disassociating also pops into my mind daily so that I will never fear having the elders stop by.
I don't feel guilty anymore. I am happy to smile at another table in a resturant when they are surround by the birthday singing staff. I feel more balanced as well.