To be honest just like some of the dps classes, it only really gets good at level 50.
But now that the cap was raised you have even more to learn. Congrats btw on your PLD
Also you may want to try Dark Knight later on, (you need a level 50, Heavansward and the 2.0 main story complete)
If you are busy with work and real life stuff it will take a bit longer but it is not all that bad to get the main story complete.