This game isn't designed for you to hit level 50 and just run end game. I know that's how most MMOs are designed, but the approach is that once you get your battle job to 50, you are expected to either 1) level your subjob for cross class skills or 2) level crafting/gathering. There are also a ton of "non progression" based things you can do.

Approaching this game as a gear treadmill is probably the wrong mentality.