Thank you everyone for your answers! You've given lots to think about and a much clearer path for me to take beyond: 'confused screaming'. Much appreciated!

And on a side note: I played FFXIV briefly in 2014, a few months worth, and then quit, only to recently come back about 3 months or so ago. So I've technically been playing since ARR but the gap between then and now is so monumental, I'm pretty much just another fresh-faced newbie learning their way.

Thank you again! <3