I don't think the game is grindy in the old school Ragnarok Online type of grind, your typical go kill monsters for days to level.
It's just that the first gear step is beyond boring.
In fact getting another job up pretty much means fates start to finish ,followedby what 50 AK runs?
I would love it if this game had more content and was more grindy, that I would not hit 50 with in what a week?

By all means make me feel like I actually achieve something when hitting max level.
This on the other hand is just dull simple as that.

The first job is a fun ride, after it I personally don't want to touch any other job.