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!