New 2 it: what skill too choose..

[Sayboar]

Thanks do these skills level faster then combat jobs?
Also is repairing your own gear a must at endgame? Do merchant repairs just beco.e uneconomical?

You can repair your gear even at level 1! You just need dark matter, grade 1 for the starting gear http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Grade_1_Dark_Matter

Usually it's better because you can repair it past 100%, which means you don't have to worry about it for a long time, plus you can repair it mid-dungeon if it breaks. It's also a little bit cheaper