Job and server to start on?

[Anova]

Server-wise, Exodus, Balmung, and Sargantas are some of the most populous. I also believe Sargantas has a number of World Firsts, although that information might be dated now. Still, you might consider it if you are planning to pursue end-game content at a hardcore level. Otherwise, Balmung and Gilgamesh are the hotspots for the RP community. BTW, legacy servers are servers with players from the original FFXIV release. Generally, just think of it as a server where players may have up to a 1 year lead on you in levels and items.

Fortunately for classes, monk dps is slated to receive a substantial buff to their primary damage mechanic. Lancer/Dragoon is also scheduled to receive some smaller improvements with their skills. Archer/Bard dps is going to receive a small nerf, specifically removing a substantial cross-class skill they use to increase damage.

As far as dps goes, pugilists and lancers both have very specific combo and skill rotations they use to maximize their dps. Lancers have a little more margin for error compared to pugilists, but their ideal rotations are more complicated than the pugilist. These two classes are also prized for their limitbreak abilities as they do the most damage to bosses. Just be certain to upgrade your weapons as soon as you can.

Archer/Bard plays an unique combination of dps and support. They are the only class that helps recover TP and MP, and they have very reliable silence skills used in end-game content. You won't lack for a party if you're good, but there are admittedly a lot of bards.

There is a great demand for tanks, so you will quickly be picked up by any FC or LS if you choose to play one. Healers are a little more common, but still in high demand.