New player on Lakshmi - Stuck at level 20..

[Aelurian]

What's a self-upgrade can depend on which nation you're in- and money is again a matter of knowing what's good in the area you're in. Bastok, San d'Oria, or Windurst?

I'm in San d'Oria. I've used some conquest points for some leg armor but it's not helping much, the guides say I should be able to do a lot more than what I've barely struggled to take down so far. Also, still no luck on getting in touch for that linkpearl from Auron either. I'm about to lose hope, especially after dying a hundred times killing things for the first drop for my sub-job quest...and no drop from those yet either. Tons of higher ups moving around the area - none of which are willing to help. Wish I was able to go back in time and enjoy the peak times of FFXI again.