I had a lot of pressure put on me to quit school at 16 and get a GED instead of continuing with high school. Somehow I resisted enough so that I finished high school on schedule. I wound up going to college through much sacrifice and without any support from family whatsoever. It was a mighty struggle, but I constantly had to pinch myself. I couldn't believe I was getting to do what I dreamed of doing. Even though I was alone in the world and effectively without family. I was somehow following my dream against the odds.
There were so many times when I felt cheated out of the first 18 years of my life. Raised in a nutty religion, going door to door, being in a zealous family, so many ridiculous rules, not having normal interactions with peers, etc. I was pretty angry, and felt some bitterness in my 20s and even into my early 30s. I felt angry that I didn't have the family support other kids had. I really felt cheated.
Over time, I came to terms with what I had been through and thankful for the path I chose. I would do it all over again. It sucks that I didn't have the kind of childhood I wished I had. But I had food and shelter. I had some interesting experiences to say the least. And there are many people in the world born into far worse circumstances.
In my experience, it's hard not to feel screwed over by Watchtower Inc. That can bring up all kinds of emtions, including sadness and anger. BUT, thank goodness I am where I am. I look back and see so many who did not make it out. I no longer "feel" any of those negative things like sadness and anger. What I do feel now is fortuante. Profoundly so.