Just a brain dump... maybe a little burnt out?

[Kidria]

Def try to join an FC. As you surmise, I think the chat and having others willing to help will ease the burnout.

Although you may decide to main a different job later, adding levels to PLD in the meantime won't hurt anything. The game is flexible in giving people the ability to level everything in a variety (fun also varies) of ways. And the instant you hit Heavensward you can pick up DRK and get it up to continue the story with, or whatever class may hold your fancy.

If an FC is difficult to find, you can also look into just a social LS. Being you're on Mateus, maybe give roleplaying a try? I didn't think of doing it much myself but I took a dive and met some real fun folks and it's a nice distraction from the level grind (in my case, grinding up crafters).

[Enkidoh]

Indeed, joining a FC and just having people to talk to can make all the difference, even if you're like me and not usually the social butterfly, instead prefering to do their own thing usually.

Also, adding to Kirdria's comments about levelling PLD still, FFXIV has a trait where if you level any class or Job that is lower in level than your first one, it will gain bonus EXP until it reaches that same level, so even if you are wanting to switch to DRK eventually, keep taking PLD through the story to that point at the very least as you'll find when you do get to Ishgard and gain DRK, it will make switching to DRK and levelling it much easier.

Either way, don't get discouraged!