My association began at age 15, baptized at 16, attended meetings for almost two years. I was in High School at the time and once it became common knowledge that I was a Jw many of my teachers had heart-to-heart talks with me to help me to think about what I was doing. The Pastor of my EUB Church had several discussions with me which were very helpful. My Father's family devoted much effort to dissuade me from remaining a Jw and my Father himself was very strongly opposed. He'd search my room while I was at school and when he found any Watchtower Literature he'd take it and burn it.
I consequently did develop doubts and following graduation from High School rarely attended meetings any longer. That is when I joined the Navy to escape the turmoil and the witnesses. An escape that, compared to the typical experience here, was a cakewalk. It was very easy because I had no other family or close friends involved. The Navy was the best move ever. While I didn't plan on a career in the Navy, it did come to pass. My initial obligation was for two years of active duty as a Reservist. While aboard ship in the San Francisco/Oakland/Alameda area with frequent cruises to the Western Pacific I came to love the life of a sailor.
Once I retired from the Navy and re-entered civilian life, I was approached by the witnesses and I did study with them for a time and did attend meetings for a time but never let on that I had any prior association. It was primarily to satisfy my curiosity; to determine whether the witnesses really had it.
Once I discovered that they really didn't have it, walking away the second time was equally painless.
Since then I have found It.