Kate,
Like many here, I gave up a lot to remain a Witness. I wanted to go to University, but was systematically psychologically beaten down by my family to remain in "god's love." So, when I finished hgih school I started pioneeering. I enjoyed pioneering. I enjoyed the accolades and the successes of helping people. It was fulfilling to a degree.
I went on to get married. We pioneered together. Our lives simple...those were good times. There is something about being together with the person you love, working toward a goal. It was nice. I think it solidified our relationship.
Career wise....well, I have been lucky. When I decided to leave the pioneer work to start a family, things fell into place. Some people reach out to friends or family to try to streamline the career path, I chose to forego any "connections" so that whatever success I had was due to my own efforts and ability. Call it pride, call it arrogance, I simply called it determination.
So, now, years later, I am successful. My time in the pioneer ministry reaped some benefits that are applicable to the business world, aka the ability to express a thought. I could have had success much earlier in life, financially and career wise, but I don't think I would trade it. I am who I am and what I am. I don't think about what could have been, it is too damaging. I must make a success of the present to justify the sacrifice of the past.
Just a thought,
SOP